Japan PMI manufacturing rose to 52.9 in September, up from 52.5, but missed expectation of 53.1. Markit noted that input cost inflation accelerated at the fastest pace since March 2011. Also, geopolitical tensions weigh on sentiment, with Future Output Index dipping further.
Joe Hayes, Economist at IHS Markit, said “manufacturing sector business cycle continued along its upward path”. Also, “business conditions remained robust despite a number of natural disasters over the past month.” “Recent demand pressures have been primarily driven by the domestic market, latest flash data pointed to the first rise in export sales since May amid ongoing global trade frictions.” However, “business sentiment dipped further in September to a 22-month low as firms remain uncertain to how international trade tensions could impact the Japanese economy”.
