Core Points - Germany's industrial output decreased by 4.3% month-on-month in August, primarily due to a significant decline in the automotive sector [1] - The automotive industry, being the largest industrial sector in Germany, saw a sharp decline of 18.5% in output [1] - Excluding the automotive sector, industrial output fell by 5.6% [1] Industrial Performance - The construction sector experienced a month-on-month increase of 0.6% in output [1] - The energy sector's output decreased by 0.5% [1] - Overall, industrial output year-on-year declined by 3.9% after seasonal and working day adjustments [1] New Orders - Industrial new orders fell by 0.8% month-on-month in August, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline [1] - Foreign new orders saw a more significant decline of 4.1% [1] Economic Outlook - The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy indicated that if the automotive sector's impact is excluded, the decline in industrial output would be approximately halved [1] - The ministry also noted that geopolitical uncertainties and weak overseas demand are expected to continue exerting pressure on Germany's industrial output in the coming months [1] - The overall economic outlook for Germany in the third quarter of this year remains weak [1]