Japan’s February flash PMIs strengthened throughout the board, with composite output rising to 53.8 and manufacturing gaining momentum. Export demand surged, backlogs hit document highs and value pressures firmed, whereas enterprise confidence improved.
Abstract:
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Composite PMI: 53.8 (Jan 53.1), quickest development since Might 2023.
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Companies PMI: 53.8 (Jan 53.7), quickest tempo since Might 2024.
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Manufacturing PMI: 52.8 (Jan 51.5), strongest since January 2022.
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Composite new orders rose on the quickest price since Might 2023.
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Export orders surged on the quickest tempo in eight years.
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Employment development remained stable; manufacturing facility hiring strongest in over 4 years.
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Backlogs rose at a document tempo (collection started September 2007).
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Enter prices and promoting costs each accelerated; output costs at 21-month excessive.
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Enterprise confidence climbed to a 15-month excessive.
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Earlier from Japan: Japan inflation slows to 1.5% in January, core measures ease. What is going to the BoJ suppose?
Japan’s personal sector development strengthened in February, with all three S&P International flash PMI readings bettering from January and signalling the quickest general enlargement in almost three years.
The S&P International Flash Japan Composite PMI Output Index rose to 53.8 from 53.1 in January, marking the strongest tempo of enlargement since Might 2023 and increasing the present development streak to 11 months.
Momentum broadened throughout sectors. The Flash Japan Companies PMI Enterprise Exercise Index edged as much as 53.8 from 53.7, its quickest studying since Might 2024. Extra notably, the Flash Japan Manufacturing PMI climbed sharply to 52.8 from 51.5, the strongest degree since January 2022, pointing to a firmer and extra balanced restoration.
New enterprise development accelerated consistent with output. Composite new orders rose on the quickest price since Might 2023, with providers seeing the strongest enhance in 22 months. Producers reported their steepest rise in gross sales since early 2022, supported by stronger underlying demand and new product launches.
Exterior demand was a standout. Composite export orders expanded on the quickest tempo in eight years, pushed primarily by a rebound in items exports.
Employment continued to rise at a stable tempo, though barely softer than January’s multi-year document. Manufacturing facility payrolls expanded on the quickest price in simply over 4 years, whereas providers hiring moderated considerably. Regardless of elevated staffing, capability pressures intensified: backlogs of labor rose on the quickest tempo because the composite collection started in September 2007.
Value pressures additionally ticked larger. Enter prices elevated at a barely sharper price general, with stronger price inflation in providers offsetting softer pressures in manufacturing. Output cost inflation hit a 21-month excessive, with providers corporations exhibiting larger pricing energy than factories.
Wanting forward, optimism improved. Enterprise sentiment reached a 15-month excessive, with corporations citing stronger home and abroad demand, semiconductor and AI-related funding, product innovation and supportive political situations following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s current landslide election victory.
The info reinforce a story of broadening development momentum in Japan’s financial system, whilst inflation dynamics and Financial institution of Japan coverage stay intently watched.

























