TOKYO, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Japan's industrial output

increased 2.5 percent in December, rising at the fastest pace

since June 2011, government data showed on Thursday, in a sign

that the impact from falling exports and weak global demand was

waning.

The rise compared with a median market forecast for a 4.5

percent increase, and followed a 1.4 percent decline in the

previous month.

Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and

Industry expect output to rise 2.6 percent in January and

increase 2.3 percent in February.

The ministry raised its assessment of industrial output,

saying that it is it was showing signs of halting its declines.

Previously, it had said production was on a downward trend.

To view the full tables, click on

http://www.meti.go.jp/english/statistics/tyo/iip/index.html

(Reporting by Kaori Kaneko; Editing by Chris Gallagher)

((kaori.kaneko@thomsonreuters.com)(Reuters

Messaging:)(kaori.kaneko.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)(+81-3-6

441-1983))

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