RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE
Japan is lifting the state of emergency for most of the prefectures.
MEASURES
- On 14 May, the government has announced to lift the state of emergency for 39 of the country’s 47 prefectures which initially scheduled to end on 31 May 2020. The emergency state will continue for the rest of the prefectures.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Amid the state of emergency in Japan, on 8 May, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) issued the latest food supply status in Japan. For manufacturers, the demand for products continues to rise. In order to meet the demands of consumers, the manufacturers (frozen products, flour and flour products) continue to operate in full production and some of the manufacturers (instant noodles, retort food) will continue to increase their production to support the adequate supply of food. In addition to increasing the capacity of manufacturing, some of the manufacturers have shifted their manufacturing focus in order to produce products in high demands (rice, udon). Also, there have been some delays in terms of the shipments of food products (pasta) to Japan too.
- According to MAFF, there is no delay in imports from overseas. The import activities operate as usual.
- Restaurants are allowed to stay open during emergency state, however, most of the restaurants provide meals through delivery and take-away services.
- The logistics service providers continue to operate as usual to supply products to meet the demands of public.