China commodities output falls in August

Beijing

CHINA'S output of key industrial commodities including coal and steel weakened in August, as government measures to cut smog ahead of World War Two commemorations further cut production already lowered by a slowing economy.

Growth in China's investment and factory output missed forecasts in the month, pointing to a further cooling in the world's second-largest economy that will likely prompt the government to roll out more support measures.

Production of coal and steel, which has steadily fallen amid weak demand and chronic oversupply, fell further in August after the government mandated the closure of scores of factories to reduce pollution in Beijing ahead of events to mark the end of Worl…