Japan Industrial Output Falls 2.6 Pct in Nov.

Tokyo, Dec. 26 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s industrial production in November fell 2.6 pct from the previous month, logging the first drop in three months as vehicle output dropped, the industry ministry said Friday. The production index for the manufacturing and mining sectors was 102.0 against the 2020 base of 100, according to preliminary data from the ministry. The ministry maintained its basic assessment that industrial production is fluctuating. Production declined in 12 of the 15 surveyed industries, led by a 6.6 pct fall in the automobile sector due to reduced output of passenger cars. Three industries saw their production rise, thanks to higher exports of chipmaking devices to China. The shipment index went down 1.6 pct, the first decrease in four months. The inventory index fell 3.0 pct, the first drop in three months. Manufacturers’ production is forecast to rise 1.3 pct in December and 8.0 pct in January, the ministry said. Production needs to be closely watched because manufacturers’ sentiment worsens, a ministry official said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]