Japan’s labour market solid

Japan’s government kept its view that the economy is recovering moderately in a monthly report in February as the labour market remained solid, but it warned about risks to the outlook from the coronavirus epidemic.

The new assessment came even after Japan’s economy shrank at the fastest pace in almost six years in October-December last year as a sales tax hike hit consumer and business spending.

While the government maintained its view, it slightly changed the wording to say the economy was “recovering at a moderate pace, while an increased weakness centered on manufacturers remains intact amid continued softness in exports.”

A Cabinet Office official said: “The virus outbreak is the biggest risk to the economy. We need to pay a close attention to its adverse impacts to the economy.”

The government also kept its view that factory output remained weak and said it was expected to stay sluggish for a while as the virus drags on China’s economy and disrupts global supply chains.

Among other key elements, the report said consumer spending was “picking up” and capital spending was “increasing moderately but showed some weakness”. Both assessments were unchanged from last month. And the government said exports were weakening.

Data this week showed Japan’s machinery orders tumbled at their fastest pace since 2018 while exports fell for the 14th straight month.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan fell for the fourth straight month in January as the impact of a South Korean boycott continued to weigh. Sharper falls are expected ahead as the virus keeps away Chinese tourists and dampens global air travel.

Reuters