Japan's PMI shows manufacturing capacity released ahead of schedule due to impact of war

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on April 23 that, due to concerns over the impact of the Middle East conflict, Japanese manufacturers have raised production to the highest level in 12 years, indicating that companies are releasing capacity ahead of time. Data shows that Japan’s April PMI industrial output index rose to 55.4, marking the highest level since February 2014. The manufacturing composite PMI increased to 54.9, while the services PMI dropped from 53.4 to 51.2. Annabel Fiddes, Economic Assistant Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, stated in a report: "There are reports that some manufacturing companies increased output because they are worried and uncertain about the war situation in the Middle East and the possibility of further supply chain disruptions." She said: "The conflict in the Middle East is a significant factor restraining optimism. For the current strong performance in manufacturing to continue, uncertainty must be reduced and supply chains need to return to normal."```