In April, the import and export volume of electromechanical products in Japan fell sharply in the month, and the year-on-year growth rate dropped significantly. According to the analysis of the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce, from the ring data, the earthquake caused a serious impact on the Japanese manufacturing industry, and its negative impact began to appear.

The data released by the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce recently showed that Shandong exported mechanical and electronic products to Japan in the month of 770 million U.S. dollars, exported 300 million U.S. dollars, and imported 470 million U.S. dollars, down 15.4 percent, 11.8 percent, and 17.6 percent respectively from March.

Influenced by the decline in imports and exports, the growth rate of mechanical and electrical imports and exports from Shandong Province to Japan in April was significantly higher than the same period last year. Data show that in April, the year-on-year growth rate of export, export, and import of mechanical and electrical imports from Japan to Japan dropped by 22.4, 15.1, and 24.4 percentage points respectively from the previous month.

According to the analysis of the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province, Shandong Province currently exports mechanical and electrical products to Japan mainly to vehicles and spare parts, ships, optical instruments, and household appliances. Mechanical and electrical products from Japan are mainly mechanical equipment, chips, and electronic products. Japan's manufacturing industry was severely affected by the earthquake, and the negative impact on Shandong's imports and exports began to appear.

According to data released on the 19th by the Cabinet Office of Japan, Japan’s actual gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.9% in the first quarter of this year, and decreased by 3.7% on an annual basis, after removing price changes and adjusting for seasonal changes. Japan’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Yosano, said that the decline in real GDP in the first quarter was mainly affected by the March 11 earthquake.

The Department of Commerce of Shandong Province also stated that affected by the post-earthquake relief factors in Japan, the export of Shandong's agricultural products and textiles and clothing to Japan has increased significantly. In April, Shandong's agricultural exports to Japan increased by 46.5%, and textile and apparel exports increased by 32.4%.