Japanese factory activity rises at fastest pace since Dec 2018: PMI

Japan's factory activity expanded at the fastest pace in over two years in February, a private-sector survey showed on Monday, as strong orders led to the first output rise since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The final au Jibun Bank Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) jumped to a seasonally adjusted 51.4 in February from the prior month's 49.8 reading.

The rise in the headline figure, which compared to a preliminary 50.6 reading, marked the fastest expansion since December 2018. That meant manufacturing activity was well above the 50.0 threshold that separates contraction from expansion thanks to strong improvements in output and orders.

Overall, new orders rose at the fastest pace since October 2018, while output grew for the first time since December 2018 after which the economy was hit by the US-China trade war and the COVID-19 crisis. The PMI survey was in line with January output and fourth-quarter gross domestic product data released last month that showed Japan's manufacturing sector has managed to weather emergency coronavirus measures at home, mainly thanks to robust overseas demand for tech components.

It also showed, however, that producers are facing a jump in input prices, which rose at their fastest pace since February 2019, pressuring their profit margins. "Concern has been building throughout the Japanese manufacturing sector regarding ongoing supply chain disruption," said Usamah Bhatti, economist at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, adding that it caused raw materials prices to rise.

"Cost burdens faced by firms rose at the sharpest pace in two years, which has partially translated into higher charges for clients to cover margins," he added. Future output, which shows firms' growth expectations for the year ahead, were at its highest since July 2017 as hopes of an end to the pandemic thanks to the rising distribution of vaccines boosted confidence.

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