The manufacturing sector in Japan continued to expand in April, albeit at a slower rate, the latest survey from Jibun Bank showed on Monday with a manufacturing PMI score of 53.5.
That's down from 54.1 in March although it remains above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.
The lower reading of the headline index was partly the result of a softer rise in new orders. Sales increased for the seventh month running, though growth eased to a milder pace overall. Firms commented that growth was held back by delivery delays and the Russia-Ukraine war. Geopolitical tensions and rising COVID-19 cases in China continued to weigh heavily on export orders, which fell solidly for the second month running.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.