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2026-02-20 09:26:31
[Japan's Manufacturing Activity Hits Nearly Four-Year High in February] A private sector survey released Friday showed that Japan's manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in nearly four years in February, driven by strong domestic and international demand. This is a positive sign for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's economic revitalization plan. The preliminary reading of the S&P Global Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 52.8 in February from 51.5 in January, marking the strongest growth since May 2022. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in economic activity. Both the factory output and new orders sub-indices continued to rise in February, with companies generally citing strong fundamental demand and the positive impact of new product launches. Strong overseas demand drove export new orders to an eight-year high. The service sector also remained strong, with Japan's preliminary services PMI rising to 53.8 in February from 53.7 in January, the fastest expansion since May 2024. The preliminary composite PMI rose to 53.8 in February from 53.1 in January, the fastest growth since May 2023.
