In brief
Japan’s industrial output increased by 2.2 % in September, marking the first rise in three months, driven by a rebound in automobile manufacturing. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry projects further growth in the coming months, while the United States reported similarly strong quarterly GDP growth.
Japan’s industrial output climbed 2.2 percent in September, its first increase in three months, according to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and reported by Xinhua from Tokyo on October 30.
The rise was largely attributed to a resurgence in automobile production, with motor vehicles registering the largest uptick among the eight sectors that saw growth.
Other leading contributors included production machinery and general‑purpose and business‑oriented machinery, while seven sectors—most notably iron, steel and nonferrous metals—experienced declines.
The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 104.1 against the 2020 base of 100, indicating a modest but steady expansion of manufacturing output.
The ministry also noted that the index of industrial shipments edged up 0.6 percent to 101.0, and inventories rose 2.5 percent to 99.9, signalling moderate pressures on supply chains.
Based on a survey of manufacturers, the ministry projects output to increase 5.1 percent in October and 0.8 percent in November, suggesting further momentum for the manufacturing sector.
In a parallel development, RTHK’s coverage of the United States highlighted that the nation’s third‑quarter gross domestic product expanded faster than the 2.2 percent growth noted in April, underscoring a similarly robust economic performance overseas.
Japan’s October figure comes after a 2.4 percent contraction in August, underscoring the volatility of the country’s industrial sector in the wake of global supply‐chain disruptions.
Despite the downturn in metallurgical output, the overall positive trajectory points to an improving industrial base that could support broader economic expansion, according to industry specialists.
Early signs of recovery in vehicle manufacturing and machinery production are seen as encouraging, suggesting that Japan’s manufacturing sector could sustain growth momentum into the next quarter.
