S.Korea's industrial output falls for two months

Industrial activity in South Korea weakened for two months in a row last month due to sluggish exports, which account for about half of the economy, a government report showed Friday.

Production in all industries, including manufacturing, services, construction and public administration, declined 0.3 percent in April from a month earlier, according to Statistics Korea.

The industrial production fluctuated from a 1.9 percent fall in January to a 2.2 percent expansion, before reducing 0.5 percent in March and 0.3 percent in April.

Private consumption showed signs of recovery, but lackluster exports dragged down overall industrial production.

Output in the mining and manufacturing sectors reduced 1.2 percent in April from a month earlier on the back of faltering ship exports that offset solid shipments of cars and chips.

Production in cars and communication devices increased 2.8 percent and 9.0 percent each last month, but output in other transport equipment, including ships, tumbled 13.0 percent. Endi