TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industrial output in September rose 1.4 percent from the previous month as production of automobiles rebounded after a powerful typhoon disrupted plant operations, government data showed Thursday.

The seasonally adjusted index of production at factories and mines stood at 101.1 against the 2020 base of 100, a preliminary report from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed. It followed a 3.3 percent drop in August.

The ministry retained its basic assessment of industrial production from the previous month, saying it "fluctuates indecisively," forecasting that output will expand in October and decline in November.

While companies' stance on production is improving, the ministry is closely monitoring the downside risks from demand abroad amid China's struggling economy and uncertain U.S. economic prospects, an official said.

Of the 15 industrial sectors covered in the survey, 10 including motor vehicles, and inorganic and organic chemicals saw increased output, while 5 including production machinery logged declines.

Motor vehicles contributed significantly to the overall output growth with a 7.1 percent on-month increase on the back of strong production of cars and engines.

Output of inorganic and organic chemicals surged 6.6 percent, while that of electrical machinery, and information and communication electronics equipment grew 2.2 percent, boosted by air conditioners amid high temperatures in September.

Meanwhile, output of production machinery fell 1.7 percent and transport equipment other than motor vehicles decreased 3.1 percent.

Based on a poll of manufacturers, the ministry expects output to grow 8.3 percent in October and decline 3.7 percent in November.

In September, the index of industrial shipments rose 2.3 percent to 99.7, while that of inventories was up 0.1 percent at 102.3.