Industrial output grew in October for the second straight month, with the index registering its highest level in 2 1/2 years, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Friday.
The index of output at mines and factories stood at 97.5 against the 2000 base of 100. This is the highest level since the 97.7 registered in March 2001, METI said in a preliminary report.
Industrial production rose a seasonally adjusted 0.8 percent in October from September, partly due to solid car sales both at home and overseas.
Although the growth in industrial production slowed from a revised 3.8 percent gain the previous month, the overall trend in October was good, a METI official said.
"As a whole, figures were good in October, with all sectors but chemicals and electronic parts and devices rising from September," the official said.