Japan’s factory activity expands at strongest pace in 4 years: PMI

The flash Japan services PMI falling to 51.2 in April

Add BT as a preferred source

Published Thu, Apr 23, 2026 · 10:48 AM

Price pressures intensified across Japan’s private sector, with input costs rising at the sharpest rate since January 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS

本文由AI辅助翻译

查看原文

[TOKYO] Japan’s manufacturing activity expanded at its strongest pace in four years in April as firms boosted production over concerns about potential supply shortages due to rising tensions in the Middle East, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday (Apr 23).

The S&P Global flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 54.9 in April, the highest since January 2022, from 51.6 in March. The 50-mark separates growth from contraction.

A key sub-index for factory output recorded the strongest increase since February 2014, driven by worries over future supply shortages linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Annabel Fiddes, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “There were reports that some manufacturing firms boosted output due to concerns and uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and the potential for further supply chain disruptions.”

Service sector activity slowed, with the flash Japan services PMI falling to 51.2 in April, the slowest rise in 11 months, from 53.4 in March.

Price pressures intensified across Japan’s private sector, with input costs rising at the sharpest rate since January 2023. Average output charges increased at the quickest pace since composite data were first available in late 2007.

Japan’s exports rise for seventh month as AI demand blunts Middle East risks for now

For the Bank of Japan, wage trends at smaller companies remain a key focus as it heads into its policy meeting in April.

Japan’s wage growth holds momentum after small companies reach deals

The balance between such downside risks to growth and mounting inflationary pressure will be key to the BOJ’s decision at its next policy meeting on Apr 27 to 28.

Japan business mood worsens, bankruptcies seen rising as Iran war lifts costs

The wage gains come as the central bank has been looking for signs that solid pay increases will fuel spending that leads to demand-led price gains.

Japan’s real wages rise most since 2021 to keep BOJ on hike path

On a seasonally adjusted, month-on-month basis, spending increased 1.5 per cent, less than an estimated 2.6 per cent rise.

Japan’s households cut spending even after real wages advance

Asean Intelligence

Get insights into businesses across South-east Asia

Get the free report

Business confidence weakened for a second straight month and fell to its lowest since August 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The flash Japan composite PMI, which combines manufacturing and services activities, slipped to 52.4 from 53 in March, as a slower rise in services activity offset gains in the manufacturing sector. REUTERS

Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

此翻译对您是否有帮助？

Japan economy

Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services

Feedback

TRENDING NOW

Ohmyhome (BVI) is the holding company of Ohmyhome Singapore and its subsidiaries, which provide real estate services in Singapore and Malaysia.

Ohmyhome Ltd sells real estate business for token US$1 due to poor business and continued losses

The house sits on a road just off Bishops Avenue, a north London street known as “Billionaire’s Row”.

Buyer for England striker Harry Kane’s former mansion must pay £3.4 million after abandoning deal

Singapore continues to be an important market for big luxury houses, such as Hermes and Chanel.

As luxury retail goes big, can Singapore’s Orchard Road keep up?

Vincent Tan, founder of Berjaya Group, has reduced his holdings in multiple companies within the group.

Malaysian tycoon Vincent Tan’s sell-downs point to pruning rather than an exit plan