TOKYO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial production increased by 3.8 percent in October compared to the previous month, up for the fifth straight month, government statistics revealed Monday.
The rise was supported by a recovery in demand for machinery and autos from a slump induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the government data, output in some sectors has returned to levels before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the industry ministry warned of downside risks ahead due to the recent global resurgence of infections.
In a preliminary report, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said the seasonally adjusted index of output at factories and mines stood at 95.0 against the base of 100 for 2015, following a downwardly revised 3.9 percent increase in September.
The statistics showed that the overall output increase was contributed by a 17.9 percent surge in the production of general machinery, including conveyer systems in the retail sector and steam turbines used for electricity generation, along with a 6.8 percent rise in auto production amid firm exports.
The electrical machinery and information and communication electronics equipment sector increased by 8.4 percent, as demand rose for computers used in remote working in Japan to curb the COVID-19 epidemic. Enditem
