Japan Household Spending Falls 3.3 Pct in June

Tokyo, Aug. 7 (Jiji Press)–Household spending in Japan in June fell 3.3 pct from a year earlier in inflation-adjusted real terms as consumers refrained from going out due to unfavorable weather, the internal affairs ministry said Friday. Average spending by households with two or more members totaled 290,886 yen, marking the seventh straight month of declines. Food purchases slipped 2.5 pct as demand for tea products and sports drinks as well as dining-out spending fell, reflecting fewer occasions to go out amid typhoons and the rainy season. Also, there was one fewer holiday in the month than a year before. Clothing and footwear spending tumbled 19.9 pct, after lower temperatures hurt summer clothes sales. Spending on household durable goods declined 11.1 pct, down for the first time in eight months. Transportation and communications spending, including railway fares and car purchases, slid 5.7 pct. Purchases of consumables fell 8.0 pct as cooler weather reduced demand for insecticides and repellents. Hoarding demand for plastic bags and food wrapping amid the deteriorating Middle East situation receded somewhat. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]