Japan's industrial output contracted 9.8 percent month-on-month on a seasonally adjusted basis in December, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said on Monday.

In its revised report, the ministry said the figure was revised downward from a 9.6 percent drop in the preliminary estimate, marking a record decline for the second consecutive month.

Shrinking demand for automobiles and high-tech products amid the global economic recession is the key factor behind the plunge, it said.

The index of industrial shipments was down 8.1 percent to 85.9 while that of inventory gained rose 0.1 percent to 110.5.

The index of output in mines and factories read 84.4, compared with the gauge of 100 for 2005, said the report.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2009)