TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial output grew 1.3 percent in June from the previous month, marking its third consecutive monthly increase, helped by gains in chip-related devices, government data showed Friday.
The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 103.9 against the 2020 base of 100, following a downwardly revised rise of 0.1 percent in May, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The rise was lifted by orders for semiconductor manufacturing equipment for export and notebook computers for schools, the ministry said.
Thirteen of the 15 industrial sectors covered in the survey saw output increases in June, led by production machinery and electrical machinery, and information and communication electronics equipment.
Meanwhile, two sectors, electronic parts and devices, and iron, steel and non-ferrous metals, saw production decline.
The ministry maintained its basic assessment of industrial production from the month before, saying it "fluctuates indecisively."
Based on a poll of manufacturers conducted in early July, the ministry expects output to climb 1.2 percent in July and 4.5 percent in August. ■