Industrial Output Falls at Fastest Pace Since May 2020
11:50 JST, March 1, 2024
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Japan’s industrial production fell 7.5% in January from the previous month due mainly to lower automobile output, the fastest decline since May 2020 in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, government data showed Thursday.
The seasonally adjusted production index for the manufacturing and mining sectors stood at 97.6 against the 2020 base of 100, the industry ministry said in a preliminary report.
The ministry lowered its view on industrial production for the first time in six months, saying it has “weakened” while fluctuating indecisively. The downgrade comes as a substantial recovery is unlikely in February and March, a ministry official said.
In January, production declined in 14 of the 15 surveyed industries.
The auto sector’s output plunged 17.8%, dampened by the suspension of plants caused by heavy snow and vehicle testing scandals involving Daihatsu Motor Co. and Toyota Industries Corp., an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp.
Production at general-purpose and business-oriented machinery makers dived 12.6% due to lower output of auto-related equipment.
"Business" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
SoftBank to Build Next-Generation Industrial Park with AI-Based Data Center Utilizing Sharp’s Plant in Sakai, Osaka Pref.
-
TSMC to Launch Full-Scale Production in Japan, U.S., Germany as Part of ‘Silicon Shield’ Against China
-
Japanese Cosmetics Giants Struggle with Sales in China: Firms Seek to Develop New Markets in Global South
-
Mitsubishi Motors Seen As Key to S.E. Asia in Honda, Nissan Talks; Japanese Makers Face Chinese Challenge In Region
-
Honda, Nissan Integration Likely to Affect Auto Parts Suppliers; EV Parts Production, Standardization Key
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Prehistoric Stone Tool Cut Out of Coral Reef and Taken Away in Kyushu island; Artifact was Believed to Have Been Dropped in Sea During Prehistoric Jomon Period
- Record 320 School Staff Punished for Sex Offenses in Japan
- New Year’s Ceremony Held at Imperial Palace (UPDATE 1)
- Central Tokyo Observes 1st Snow of Season; 25 Days Earlier than Last Winter
- Indonesia Launches Free School Meal Program with Support from Japan; Ishiba Currying Favor with New President