|

Last time the Japanese government described industrial production as decreasing rapidly was in November 2008

Following a slew of Japanese data today, a Japnese government official has stated that the last time the Japanese govt described industrial production as decreasing rapidly was in November 2008.

Key comments

  • Wide range of manufacturers cut production due to coronavirus impact.
  • Last time japan govt described industrial production as decreasing rapidly was in November 2008.
  • Auto production fell 33.3% MoM in April, largest m/m decline since comparable data became available in 2013.

Japan's factory output fell 9.1% in April, government data showed on Friday, compared with a median market forecast for a 5.1% drop. Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry expect output to shrink 4.1% in May and rise 3.9% in June, the data showed.

Key notes

  • Japan government cuts assessment of industrial production.
  • Japan government says industrial production is decreasing rapidly.
  • Japan industrial production in April sees the biggest drop since comparable data became available in 2013.

In other data, Japans Retail Sales (MoM) for Apr were -9.6% (est -6.9%, prev R -4.6%). However, Japan Retail Sales in April has seen the biggest YoY drop since March 1998.

  • Japan Retail Sales (Y/Y) Apr: -13.7% (est -11.2%, prev R -4.7%).

Market implications

These are compelling numbers for macro traders assessing the wider global economy with respect to an anticipated major downturn. USD/JPY is holding around 107.50 at the time of writing. 

Author

Ross J Burland

Ross J Burland, born in England, UK, is a sportsman at heart. He played Rugby and Judo for his county, Kent and the South East of England Rugby team.

More from Ross J Burland
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD bounces toward 1.1750 as US Dollar loses strength

EUR/USD returned to the 1.1750 price zone in the American session on Friday, despite falling Wall Street, which indicates risk aversion. Trading conditions remain thin following the New Year holiday and ahead of the weekend, with the focus shifting to US employment and European data scheduled for next week.

GBP/USD nears 1.3500, holds within familiar levels

After testing 1.3400 on the last day of 2025, GBP/USD managed to stage a rebound. Nevertheless, the pair finds it difficult to gather momentum and trades with modest intraday gains at around 1.3490 as market participants remain in holiday mood.

Gold trims intraday gains, approaches $4,300

Gold retreated sharply from the $4,400  area and trades flat for the day in the $4,320 price zone. Choppy trading conditions exacerbated the intraday decline, although XAU/USD bearish case is out of the picture, considering growing expectations for a dovish Fed and persistent geopolitical tensions.

Breaking: US Trump strikes Venezuela, claims President Maduro was captured and flown out of the country

United States (US) President Donald Trump has fulfilled his threats and finally struck Venezuela. Different media reports that explosions in Caracas began around 1:50 am local time on Saturday, leaving multiple areas of the city without power.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).