Japan’s Industrial Output Up 1.3 Pct in June

Tokyo, July 31 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s industrial output in June increased 1.3 pct from the previous month, supported by strong production of semiconductor-manufacturing equipment for export, industry ministry preliminary data showed Friday. The seasonally adjusted production index for the manufacturing and mining sectors came to 103.9, against the 2020 base of 100, marking the third consecutive month of growth. The ministry maintained its basic assessment that industrial production is fluctuating “indecisively.” The index rose in 13 of the 15 surveyed sectors. The production machinery sector posted a 7.6 pct increase, with output of semiconductor-manufacturing equipment rising 11.1 pct. The petroleum and coal products industry logged a 4.1 pct rise. In contrast, production dropped 6.3 pct in the electronic parts and devices sector due to inventory adjustments, while output in the iron, steel and nonferrous metals industry edged down 0.4 pct. The shipment index slid 0.4 pct, while the inventory index rose 2.3 pct, the first increase in four months. Output in the manufacturing sector is forecast to climb 1.2 pct in July and 4.5 pct in August. Still, a ministry official said that “the outlook remains uncertain” following a powerful earthquake that struck the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto on Tuesday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]