Japan's industrial production declined for the second month in a row due to the earthquake in southern Japan, where production operations were blocked, and manufacturers continued to deal with the high costs brought about by the Middle East conflict. According to data released by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Wednesday, Japan's industrial output fell 1.7% in August compared to July, while economists had expected this figure to increase by 1.3%. On a year-on-year basis, industrial output in August increased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year, which is lower than the 6.8% increase generally expected by the market. Industries that experienced a decline in output include automobiles, general machinery, industrial machinery, and petroleum products. However, production of transportation equipment other than automobiles has increased. The data released on Wednesday was affected to some extent by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on July 28. Aftershock activity continued for a period of time after the initial shock, which further intensified the impact on the supply chain, and even affected Aichi Prefecture, where Toyota Motor Corporation is located.

Japan's industrial production declined for the second month in a row due to the earthquake in southern Japan, where production operations were blocked, and manufacturers continued to deal with the high costs brought about by the Middle East conflict. According to data released by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Wednesday, Japan's industrial output fell 1.7% in August compared to July, while economists had expected this figure to increase by 1.3%. On a year-on-year basis, industrial output in August increased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year, which is lower than the 6.8% increase generally expected by the market. Industries that experienced a decline in output include automobiles, general machinery, industrial machinery, and petroleum products. However, production of transportation equipment other than automobiles has increased. The data released on Wednesday was affected to some extent by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on July 28. Aftershock activity continued for a period of time after the initial shock, which further intensified the impact on the supply chain, and even affected Aichi Prefecture, where Toyota Motor Corporation is located.