Domestic economy continues on a weakening trend
- A decline in the manufacturing industry’s performance due to the slowdown in exports -
(Companies researched: 23,059; Valid responses: 9,619; Response rate: 41.7%; Survey start date: May 2002)
Overview of December 2018: Weak domestic economy
The economic diffusion index (DI) in December 2018 was 49.4, down 0.1 point from the previous month, and worsened for the first time in two months. Although there was year-end demand, the manpower shortage accelerated and the domestic economy continued on a weakening trend, such as a decline in the manufacturing industry’s performance due to the slowdown in exports, etc.
Future outlook: Uncertainly has intensified
While a demand increase due to the hike in the consumption tax and a reactionary decline are expected, there are concerns about the slowdown of external demand in China, etc., and how the US-Japan trade negotiations will progress, so uncertainty has further intensified.
