(MENAFN) Germany’s industrial production experienced a steep decline of 4.3% in August compared to the previous month, significantly surpassing analysts' expectations, as revealed by data released on Wednesday by the nation's official statistics agency, Destatis.

This downturn came after a modest increase of 1.3% in July. Contrary to forecasts that anticipated only a 1% dip for August, the figures indicate a much more pronounced slump.

The primary cause of this contraction was a substantial decline in the automotive sector — Germany’s largest manufacturing segment — which plummeted 18.5% on a monthly basis.

Destatis explained, "The marked decrease may be explained, at least in part, by the combination of annual plant closures for holidays and production changeovers."

This seasonal factor, combined with structural production adjustments, likely contributed to the dramatic reduction in output.

Other key manufacturing areas also reported negative figures. Machinery and equipment production dropped by 6.2%, while the pharmaceutical sector experienced a 10.3% fall.

Similarly, the production of computer, electronic, and optical devices decreased by 6.1%, adding further pressure on overall industrial performance.

Excluding energy and the construction sector, industrial output declined by 5.6% over the same period.

Destatis further reported, "Within industry, decreases were reported in all three major groups, with the production of capital goods declining by 9.6%, consumer goods production dropping by 4.7% and intermediate goods production down 0.2%.

Outside industry, energy production decreased by 0.5% and production in construction was up 0.6%."

This broad-based weakening signals potential concerns for Germany’s economic momentum heading into the final quarter of the year.

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