SOUTH KOREAN imports of Japanese beer slumped 45 percent in July from the previous month in the wake of a consumer boycott sparked by an escalating political and economic dispute between the two Asian neighbors, data showed.

Japan shipped US$4.3 million worth of beer to South Korea in July, down from US$6.6 million a year earlier and US$7.9 million in June, according to preliminary customs office data provided by lawmaker Kim Jung-woo.

On July 4, Japan tightened export controls for materials used to make chips, South Korea’s top export item, intensifying a row over wartime forced labor and inviting a consumer backlash in South Korea.

Such anger has prompted a widespread boycott of Japanese products and services, from beer, clothes and cars to travel.

Many supermarkets and convenience stores have been removing Japanese items such as beer from their stands and stopping new orders.

South Korea buys 61 percent of Japan’s beer exports, spending 7.9 billion yen (US$73 million) in 2018 for the shipments, according to Japan’s finance ministry.

Asahi Group Holdings said last week the spread of the South Korean consumer boycott of Japanese goods was affecting its beer sales as it lowered its profit guidance slightly.

A boycott campaign is expected to grow as Japan is taking steps to remove South Korea’s fast-track export status, industry officials and experts say. (SD-Agencies)