23.04.202600:36:19UTC+00Japan Manufacturing Growth Hits Record High

The S&P Global Japan Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.9 in April 2026 from 51.6 in March, beating market expectations of 51.2, according to preliminary estimates. This was the fourth consecutive month of expansion in factory activity and the strongest overall growth since the survey began in 2008.

Output increased at the fastest rate since February 2014, suggesting that manufacturers ramped up production amid concerns over potential future supply shortages linked to the war in the Middle East. New orders posted a modest rise, with the pace of growth picking up slightly from March, while export orders increased at an even quicker rate. In response, firms accelerated their hiring.

At the same time, delivery times lengthened at the fastest pace in nearly four years. On the price front, input cost inflation intensified, driven by the conflict in the Middle East and persistent strains in global supply chains.