China's industrial output up 18.9 percent

Photo: China's industrial output up 18.9 percent

Even though China’s rapid economic expansion slowed slightly in September, the growth of its industrial production speeded up, according to data released Friday.

September's industrial production rose 18.9 percent from the year-earlier period, an increase over August's growth rate of 17.5 percent, according to figures reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.

Overall economic growth slowed in the three months ending in September to 11.5 percent, down slightly from the previous quarter's 11.9 percent expansion, the government reported Thursday.

Beijing has been trying to restrain a boom fueled by exports and investment for fear it could ignite financial problems. Authorities have imposed curbs including new taxes meant to restrain exports of steel and other goods considered too polluting or energy-intensive.