Rising more than expected, Japan's industrial output increased2.9% in May from the previous month. It was the first increase in three months, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reported on June 27.
Output is expected to slip 0.9% in June before rising 2.2% in July, according to a survey of manufacturers, the government said.
Overall the trend in production remains "flat" but with "a few weakening factors," the report noted.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2008
