Japans November factory output surges on jump in car production

TOKYO: Japan's factory output soared in November as production in the auto sector benefited from a global parts supply recovery, lifting prospects for a strong fourth-quarter economic rebound.

Factory production gained 7.2 per cent in November from the previous month, boosted by soaring output of motor vehicles and plastic products to post a faster rise than the 4.8 per cent gain forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.

That meant output rose for the second straight month after increasing 1.8 per cent in October.

The data showed output of cars and other motor vehicles surged 43.1 per cent from the previous month in November, while that of plastic products rose 9.5 per cent.

Despite the stronger output, Japanese automakers are still unable to completely shake off the drag from persistent global parts and chip supply issues.

Japan's top automaker Toyota Motor Corp said last week it would suspend production at five domestic factories in January due to supply issues and the health crisis.

Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) expected output to gain 1.6 per cent in December and 5.0 per cent in January.

The government upgraded its assessment of industrial output, saying it was showing signs of picking up.

Separate data showed the jobless rate rose to 2.8 per cent from the previous month's 2.7 per cent, while an index gauging job availability was at 1.15, unchanged from October.