China slump drags on for Japan's chip and component suppliers

TOKYO -- Shipments of Japanese electronic parts and semiconductors are starting to pick up, but industry players expect only a slow recovery in the first half of 2024 as Chinese consumer spending remains weak.

Inventories of electronic parts and devices declined for five straight months through December, data from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry shows. Inventories fell 25% on the year in the October-December quarter after a 20% drop in the previous three months.