TOKYO, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial output rose 2.5 percent in February from a month earlier, marking the first increase in four months, government data showed on Monday.

The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines in the reporting month stood at 102.4 against the 2020 base of 100, preliminary data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed.

The ministry attributed the growth to strong production in machinery and electronic components sectors.

Out of 15 industries, nine recorded gains, while six declined. Output of the production machinery sector rose by 8.2 percent, supported by increased exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and flat-panel display production machinery.

The electronic components and devices sector saw a 10.1-percent increase, while the chemical industry (excluding inorganic and organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals) grew by 3.4 percent, aided by increased production of newly reformulated synthetic detergents.

On the downside, the transportation machinery sector (excluding automobiles) fell by 6.2 percent due to decreased orders for aircraft engine components. The iron and non-ferrous metals sector declined by 1.5 percent, impacted by supply difficulties for zinc.

Based on major companies' production plans, the ministry forecasts a 0.6-percent month-on-month increase in March and a 0.1-percent rise in April. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)