TOKYO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial output climbed 2.2 percent in September from a month earlier, marking the first increase in three months, driven by a rebound in automobile production, government data showed Friday.
The expansion came after output shrank 2.4 percent in August.
According to a preliminary report released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 104.1 against the 2020 base of 100.
Output grew in eight sectors, with motor vehicles, production machinery, and general-purpose and business-oriented machinery leading the gains. Seven sectors, including iron, steel and nonferrous metals, posted declines.
Based on a survey of manufacturers, the ministry projects output to increase 5.1 percent in October and 0.8 percent in November.
Meanwhile, the index of industrial shipments edged up 0.6 percent from the previous month to 101.0 in September, while that of inventories rose 2.5 percent to 99.9. ■
