Japan industrial output in August falls 1.7% on month on weak autos

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industrial output experienced a 1.7 percent decrease in August compared to the previous month, primarily due to a slowdown in the automotive sector, according to government data released on Wednesday. This marks the second consecutive monthly decline, following a downward revision of 0.2 percent in the previous month's contraction.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has kept its overall perspective on industrial production stable, noting a tendency for fluctuations. The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines was recorded at 102.6, relative to the 2020 base value of 100. Out of the twelve sectors surveyed, ten reported a decline in production, while three sectors -- machinery production, transportation equipment (excluding automobiles), and chemicals -- experienced growth.

The ministry anticipates an increase in production by 3.2 percent in September and 3.1 percent in October, based on a survey of manufacturers. In August, the index of industrial shipments declined by 2.5 percent to 100.8, while the index of inventories decreased by 0.5 percent to 97.6.