TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s factory activity shrank for a sixth straight month in November, while modest growth in the service sector was little changed, a business survey showed on Friday, highlighting the fragility of the economy amid soft demand and inflation.
The au Jibun Bank flash Japan manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) slipped to 48.1 in November from 48.7 in October. The index has remained below the 50.0 threshold that separates contraction from expansion since June.
Both output and new orders fell further in November and the pace of contraction in incoming business accelerated. While pressure on capacity continued to ease, manufacturers reduced staffing for a second straight month.
“Activity at Japanese private sector firms stagnated midway through the fourth quarter of 2023,” said Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled the survey.
“Demand conditions at private sector firms remained muted in November and were little-changed from October.”
Although input price inflation eased to a 27-month low, it remained high and stayed above average in the series, the report said. Rising raw material, fuel and labour costs as well as a weak yen were among the major factors behind higher prices.
The au Jibun Bank flash services PMI stood at 51.7 in November, little changed from 51.6 in October, showing modest expansion in the sector, but it was the second-weakest reading so far this year.
Firms stayed confident about the business activity outlook for one year ahead, the survey said.
The au Jibun Bank Flash Japan composite PMI, which combines both manufacturing and service sector activity, stood at 50.0 in November from 50.5 in October.
(Reporting by Kaori Kaneko; Editing by Kim COghill)
