TOKYO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's industrial output in October fell for the second straight month with a 2.6-percent decline from the previous month, official data showed Wednesday.
The seasonally adjusted index of production came in at 95.9 against the 2015 base of 100, according to a preliminary report issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The decline came after a decrease of 1.7 percent registered in September which was downwardly revised.
On a monthly basis, the index of industrial shipments decreased by 1.1 percent, while that of inventories fell for the first time in five months by 0.8 percent, the report showed.
Officials attributed the weak data to a decline in the production of semiconductors and chip-making machinery due to lower smartphone demand.
Based on a poll of manufacturers, the ministry expects industrial output to rise 3.3 percent in November and climb 2.4 percent in December.
According to the November survey of production forecast in manufacturing, the country's industrial output is expected to increase 3.3 percent month on month in November and rise 2.4 percent year on year in December, said the report.
