TOKYO, May 16 (Xinhua) — Japan’s economy shrank by an annualized 2.0 percent in the January-March period from the prior quarter, marking the first contraction in two quarters amid sluggish consumer spending, latest GDP figures showed Thursday.
Real gross domestic product (GDP) in this year’s first quarter, adjusted for inflation, fell 0.5 percent from the previous quarter, according to preliminary data released by the Cabinet Office.
Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan’s GDP, dropped 0.7 percent. It was the fourth straight quarter of decline, the longest streak since 2009, underscoring sluggish domestic demand.
Capital spending fell 0.8 percent, down for the first time in two quarters, as Japanese firms curbed investment in machinery and auto-related items following a halt in vehicle shipments caused by a high-profile safety scandal at Daihatsu Motor.
Imports declined 3.4 percent amid a drop in energy imports, while exports fell 5.0 percent despite a continued boost from inbound tourism.
Nominal GDP increased 0.1 percent from the previous quarter, or 0.4 percent on an annualized basis, according to the data.
