Japan's industrial output in January fell by 0.8% from the previous month. This was down for the first time in six months as automobile production contracted.
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry announced the latest numbers on industrial output, a key economic indicator, on Tuesday. The ministry said that the index of output at factories and mines stood at 99.8 against the base of 100 in 2010.
The ministry said car output decreased in January because automakers expanded production in the previous month following the introduction of new models, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) radio news. It also pointed out that exports of cars and car parts to the North American market were down in January.
But the ministry has maintained its economic assessment, saying that output is showing signs of picking up. It predicts that the figure will rise by 3.5% in February.

Source: QNA