Скачать или смотреть Industrial output falls in August

Japan's industrial output has fallen for the first time in two months in August due to decreased production of machinery and transport equipment.

Industry ministry officials said output was down 0.7 percent from the previous month.

A drop in turbine parts for thermal plants and equipment for chemical plants was cited as the main cause. Production of automobiles also decreased due to a fall in domestic demand.

But officials are still positive. They maintained their assessment that overall production is showing signs of a moderate pick-up. They're forecasting a 5.2 percent jump in production numbers for this month, and 2.5 percent in October.