Neighbor countries are rejecting Japanese products to import. (cf. South Korea added eel to banned list to import “Now 71 sorts of products are in the banned list”
Contaminated Japanese cars rejected by Russian custom office)
In Chernobyl, milk products caused severe internal exposure because of Strontium-89/90. Strontium-89/90 act like Calcium and cause leukemia.
Since 311, milk products from Japan have been rejected by neighbor countries to import.
Trade statistics of Japan by Ministry of Finance shows the export in the category of “Dairy products, bird’s egg and honey” to contain milk products (milk, cream, butter, yogurt, whey, cheese, and powder milk ) decreased nearly by 50% since before 311. It had been in the growing trend until 311. [Link]
↓ Export volume of every 6 months. (Kg) After 2011.1~6, the volume drastically decreased.
↓ Export value of every 6 months. (1,000 Yen) After 2011.1~6, the volue drastically decreased as well. Although JPY is expensive, the decreasing amount is bigger than in volume. The price per unit is possibly decreasing.
The largest importing region is Hong Kong (About 64% of all in value). Hong Kong decreased the importing amount of diary products from Japan almost by 52% in value.
↓ In Volume (Kg)
↓ In Value (1,000 Yen). The decreasing amount is bigger than in volume as well.
More specific charts are below..
↓ Gross export of dairy products
↓ 5 largest importers of Japanese dairy products. Some countries increased the importing amount but it doesn’t affect the entire trend of decreasing.
Whether it was relevant or not, food and health division of Hong Kong government announced not to consume Japanese powder milk on 8/8/2012. It was supposed to be because of “the lack” of Iodine.
The issued products are made by Morinaga and Wakodo. Importers are to stop selling the products of those companies and collect the items from retailers.
Food safety center of Hong Kong government decided to conduct medical check for the infants who consumed the issued powder milk as of 8/10/2012.
The products are for infants under 6 months. The chairman of the center comments “It contains Iodine only less than 1/3 of WHO standard. It may affect the growth of thyroid and brain of infants.” [Link]
Iori Mochizuki