Japan factory output slides, sales tax looms

Workers are at an assembly line of the Panasonic Kobe laptop computer factory in Kobe, Western Japan in this file photo. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said industrial output fell 2.3% in February from the previous month when in was 3.8% - EPA Photo.

TOKYO: Japan's factory output unexpectedly fell in February at the fastest pace in eight months in a possible sign that the benefits from last-minute demand before an impending sales tax hike may have run their course.

The data adds to growing concerns of a stumble in the economy, and comes on the heels of a separate survey showing manufacturing activity expanded at a slower pace in March.