Industrial output fell 2.1% in February from the previous month as a strong earthquake that struck northeastern Japan disrupted parts supplies for major automakers, reducing their production, government data showed Wednesday.
The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 95.7 against the 2015 base of 100, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a preliminary report. The result followed an upwardly revised 4.3% rise in January.
The auto sector led the decline, falling 8.8% from the previous month in the wake of the Feb. 13 earthquake. Automakers were also forced to cut production due to a global chip shortage, according to the ministry.