Tokyo, Oct. 30 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s industrial production in September rose 2.2 pct from the previous month, posting the first increase in three months, the industry ministry said in a preliminary report Friday. The seasonally adjusted production index for the manufacturing and mining sectors stood at 104.1 against the 2020 base of 100. The rise reflected a recovery in automobile production after factories resumed operations following shutdowns caused by a major earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture and typhoons, which had depressed output in August. The ministry kept its assessment unchanged, saying that industrial production “fluctuates indecisively.” Production increased in eight of the 15 surveyed sectors. The automobile sector logged a 5.5 pct rise, with passenger cars larger than minivehicles marking a 3.3 pct increase. Meanwhile, the other seven sectors posted declines. The steel and nonferrous metal sector suffered a drop of 1.6 pct because of problems with copper electrolysis equipment. The shipment index grew 0.6 pct, and the inventory index climbed 2.5 pct. Production at manufacturers is expected to increase 5.1 pct in October and 0.8 pct in November, according to the ministry report. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
