TOKYO, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial output in January expanded 2.2 percent from the previous month, driven by strong production of automobiles and plastic-related goods, government data showed Friday.
The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 104.0 against the 2020 base of 100, according to data released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
In January, the index of industrial shipments rose 3.2 percent to 102.2, while that of inventories edged up 0.1 percent to 98.3.
Overall, in the reporting period, 13 of the 15 surveyed sectors reported an increase in output.
The ministry maintained its basic assessment from the month before that industrial production in Japan "fluctuates indecisively."
Based on a poll of manufacturers, the ministry expects output to fall 0.5 percent in February and decline 2.6 percent in March. ■