Japan's imports of energy-efficient products and construction materials increases

According to the statistics of Japan's Ministry of Finance quoted in a news report on www.nikkei.com, the country's imports of energy-efficient products and construction materials have increased by around 10% month on month since March, while exports registered year-on-year drop for four months in a row.

The ministry said that the blackout and electricity saving policies following Fukushima nuclear plant's disaster have led to a large increase in the imports of related products. In June, Japan imported 7.6 billion and 20.2 billion yen (approximately US$98.7 million and US$262.8 million respectively) worth of energy-saving electric fans and air conditioners respectively, as well as 28.9 billion yen (approximately US$375.9 million) worth of electric power generators, all historic highs.

Meanwhile, imports of radiation testing equipment were spurred by fears of radiation contamination as well as by the need for safety testing on exported goods to reach 1 billion yen (approximately US$13.0 million).

Besides, imports of wood, plastics and other materials for construction also grew largely. The figure is expected to rise further with more reconstruction work ahead.