TOKYO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial output dropped 1.7 percent in August from the previous month, dragged down by a slowdown in auto production, government data showed Wednesday.
The fall, which followed a downwardly revised 0.2 percent contraction in July, marked the second straight monthly decline.
The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines came in at 102.6 against the 2020 base of 100, according to preliminary figures from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Output fell in 12 sectors, led by motor vehicles, which saw a 6.8 percent drop from the previous month, while three sectors -- production machinery, transportation equipment excluding motor vehicles, and chemicals -- posted gains.
The ministry left its basic assessment of industrial production unchanged from the previous month, saying it "fluctuates indecisively."
Based on a survey of manufacturers, the ministry projects output will climb 3.2 percent in September and 3.1 percent in October.
In August, the index of industrial shipments slid 2.5 percent from July to 100.8, while that of inventories edged down 0.5 percent to 97.6. ■