Japanese industrial output increased 5.9% in May compared with the month before, the third consecutive monthly climb, according to official data.

The rise last month was the same as April’s revised figure, though less than analysts’ forecasts of 6.9%. The output of cars, mobile phones and electronic devices was particularly strong as firms started to reverse earlier cuts in stock levels.

But analysts predict output could slow again, as the world downturn continues. “Production has been rebounding sharply in response to earlier drastic cuts but the momentum is likely to slow in the months ahead,” said Hirohi Watanabe, an economist at the Institute of Research.

Manufacturers predict industrial output to rise by a 3.1% in June and climb 0.9% in July.