Japan’s Industrial Output Falls 2.1 Pct in Feb.

(The fourth paragraph should have read, “…items such as…,” instead of as sent. A substitute story follows.) Japan’s Industrial Output Falls 2.1 Pct in Feb. Tokyo, March 31 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s industrial production in February fell 2.1 pct from January, down for the first time in three months, due mainly to weaker output in the auto sector, preliminary industry ministry data showed Tuesday. The seasonally adjusted production index for the manufacturing and mining sectors stood at 102.3 against the 2020 base of 100. The ministry kept its basic assessment unchanged, saying that industrial production is fluctuating “indecisively.” Of the 15 sectors surveyed, 12 recorded declines, with production falling for items such as light-duty trucks and engines for automobiles for overseas markets. Meanwhile, production increased in three sectors, reflecting higher demand for optical fibers for telecommunications systems and skin lotion. The shipment index slipped 1.6 pct to 100.5 while the inventory index climbed 0.3 pct to 98.1, up for the first time in two months. Output in the manufacturing sector is projected to rise 3.8 pct in March and 3.3 pct in April. Given rising tensions in the Middle East, however, a ministry official warned that the outlook is unpredictable. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]