Japan’s industrial production fell for a second month, after an earthquake disrupted operations in Kyushu and as manufacturers continue to contend with higher costs stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Output decreased 1.7% in August compared with July, the industry ministry reported Wednesday. Economists had expected a 1.3% gain. Production increased 3.4% from a year earlier, compared with a consensus estimate of a 6.8% advance.
Industries posting declines in output included cars, general-purpose and industrial machinery and petroleum. Production of transport equipment excluding cars — including aircraft engine parts — increased.