{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1711996,
        "msgid": "japanese-sme-business-sentiment-hits-three-year-low-1777603987",
        "date": "2026-05-01 09:29:28",
        "title": "Japanese SME business sentiment hits three-year low",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Business",
        "summary": "Business sentiment among small and medium-sized enterprises in Japan has fallen to its lowest level in over three years in April, driven by growing concerns over supply disruptions for energy and raw materials due to the Middle East conflict, according to the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). The diffusion index for current business conditions dropped to minus 21.9, the lowest since September 2022, with the most pronounced declines in construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors. JCCI warns of the need for close monitoring of potential ongoing shortages and price increases in naphtha, which could further impact business prospects.",
        "content": "<p>Tokyo (ANTARA) - Business sentiment among small and medium-sized\nenterprises in Japan has fallen to its lowest level in more than three\nyears in April, amid increasing concerns over supply disruptions for\nenergy and raw materials due to the Middle East conflict, the Japan\nChamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said on Thursday (30\/4). The\ndiffusion index for current business conditions among small companies\ndeclined by 1.9 points from the previous month to minus 21.9, the lowest\nsince September 2022 when it reached minus 23.3. This indicates that the\nnumber of companies reporting worsening conditions now exceeds those\nexperiencing improvements, according to JCCI\u2019s latest survey. The most\nnotable decline in sentiment was observed among construction companies,\nas well as manufacturers and retailers. The diffusion index for business\ncondition prospects from May to July stands at minus 27. JCCI warns that\nclose monitoring is needed to assess whether shortages and price\nincreases in naphtha will continue.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/japanese-sme-business-sentiment-hits-three-year-low-1777603987",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}