The amount spent by two or more households in August was the first negative figure in two months, down 3% from the same month last year.

In addition to the rapid spread of infection with the new coronavirus, eating out and other activities fell sharply due to the effects of heavy rain.

According to the August household survey announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on the 8th, the amount of money spent by two or more households for consumption was 266,638 yen per household.



In real terms, excluding price fluctuations, it was down 3% from the same month last year, the first negative figure in two months.



In August, the infection of the new coronavirus spread rapidly, the area covered by priority measures such as the declaration of an emergency and the prevention of spread was expanded, and heavy rains and typhoons occurred one after another, mainly in western Japan, which affected consumption.



By item, “food” decreased by 3.2% due to a drop in food and beverage costs due to the effects of the state of emergency.



In addition, due to the decrease in opportunities to go out due to unseasonable weather, "clothing and footwear" such as clothing decreased by 11.5%, and "furniture and household items" including refrigerators and furniture also refrained from going out to home appliance mass retailers. It decreased by 9% due to the small number of customers visiting the store.



In addition, the consumption expenditure in August was reduced by 9.5% compared to August before the spread of the infection, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said, "The impact of the new corona on consumption continues, so watch the infection situation. I need to do it. "