Industrial output in November dropped a seasonally adjusted 0.1 percent from the previous month, revised downward from the initially reported 0.1 percent increase, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Monday.

The reading represents the first decline in three months. The index of output at factories and mines came to 99.2 against the base of 100 for 2010.

"The index remains broadly flat," a METI official said, noting that the government sees no reason to change its basic assessment of output saying the index "continues to show an upward movement."

The ministry said the downward revision from the initial report was attributable to the sluggish performance of general machinery makers. The sector showed a further decline after including data that wasn't available when the preliminary report was issued Dec. 27.