China39;s Caixin PMI rises in June, contradicts official survey
South Korea39;s factory activity expansion quickens in June
Japan39;s June activity steady, higher costs weigh on firms

TOKYO, July 1 Reuters Asia39;s factory activity expanded in June on solid momentum in the global economy and brightening prospects for semiconductor output, surveys showed on Monday, offering policymakers some hope the region can weather the hit from soft Chinese demand.

But cost pressures weighed on manufacturers in countries like Japan, where the weak yen is boosting the price companies pay for fuel and raw material imports.

China39;s CaixinSP Global manufacturing purchasing managers39; index PMI rose to 51.8 in June from 51.7 in May, a private survey showed on Monday, remaining above the breakeven line of 50.0 that separates growth from contraction. It marked the fastest clip in more than three years and exceeded market forecasts of 51.2.

The privatesector reading followed official PMI data released on Sunday that showed China39;s manufacturing activity fell for a second month in June and services activity slid to a fivemonth low.

The surveys show how Chinese firms are ramping up production despite weak domestic demand, which Beijing has failed to reverse with a rescue package for an ailing property sector.

In a sign the Asian region was benefiting from solid global demand, South Korea39;s factory activity growth quickened in June to the fastest in 26 months on surging new…