In brief
Japan’s industrial production climbed 2.2 % in September, its first increase in three months, according to government data released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The growth was driven by auto manufacturing and extends to eight productive sectors, while iron, steel and non‑ferrous metals fell. Forecasts suggest further gains in October and November.
Tokyo, Oct. 30 – Japan’s industrial output rose 2.2 percent in September, the first increase in three months, according to preliminary figures from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released by Xinhua.
The increase, following a 2.4 percent decline in August, was led by a rebound in motor vehicle production and broadened to eight sectors, including production machinery and general‑purpose and business‑oriented machinery.
Seven sectors, notably iron, steel and non‑ferrous metals, posted declines. The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 104.1 against a 2020 base of 100.
Based on a survey of manufacturers, the ministry projects industrial output to rise 5.1 percent in October and 0.8 percent in November.
In related measures, the index of industrial shipments edged up 0.6 percent from the previous month to 101.0 in September, while that of inventories rose 2.5 percent to 99.9.
