Sales of Japanese beer, noodles, snacks plunge amid trade dispute
A supermarket in Seoul has put up a sign that reads, “We do not sell Japanese products.” / YonhapBy Kwak Yeon-sooConsumers are turning away from Japanese products like beer, instant noodles and snacks, in the wake of a trade dispute over Tokyo's recent decision to curb exports of high-tech materials to Seoul.With sales of these products falling dramatically at discount chains, many say this is an indication that the “Boycott Japan” movement is hurting business. Supermarket chain E-mart said Japanese beer sales dropped by 30.1 percent between July 1 and 18 compared to the same period a month ago.Japanese instant noodle sales plunged 31.4 percent, while Japanese seasoning sauce sales fell 29.7 percent and Japanese natto sales declined 9.9 percent, according to E-mart.Lotte Mart also saw a 15.2 percent decrease in Japanese beer sales during the same period. Japanese instant noodle sales dropped 26.4 percent while natto sales fell 11.4 percent. Japanese snack sales fell 21.4 percent from a month earlier.Meanwhile, convenience stores suffered weekly losses in July
