Japan's industrial output increases 0.6 pct in April

TOKYO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Japan's factory output increased in April, the government said in a report on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, industrial output here rose 0.6 percent in April, following a 0.6 percent drop a month earlier.

The ministry also said in its preliminary report that the seasonally adjusted index of output at factories and mines stood at 102.8 against the base of 100 for 2015.

The index of industrial shipments in April increased 1.7 percent to 102.6.

Inventories, meanwhile, remained unchanged at 103.8 in the recording period, the ministry said.

Manufacturers surveyed by the ministry said that looking ahead they expect factory output to rise 5.6 percent in May and drop 4.2 percent in June.