Japan’s industrial production fell more than forecast in February, adding to pressure from a drop in consumer spending and faltering inflation.
Output declined 3.4 percent from January, when it rose 3.7 percent, the trade ministry said in Tokyo on Monday. The median estimate of 28 economists surveyed by Bloomberg was for a decline of 1.9 percent.
The data are the weakest since June last year and underscore the fragility of Japan’s recovery from a recession last year. Holidays in many parts of Asia that took place in February this year also curbed export demand during the month, further reducing production, according to economists at Mizuho Securities Co.
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