Overseas and domestic demand was solid in January. We can expect production to keep expanding steadily, supporting the economy.

Machinery makers are enjoying steady increases in their production. Japan's strong economy is boosting domestic demand.

We must base ourselves upon expanding domestic demand, a long-term strategic policy that we must stick to,

The gains in imports are a sign of strong domestic demand and show how resilient the economy is now. With growth in the U.S. and other export markets set to accelerate, exports will be strong for some time.

We can expect two months of lost production, and coming in the peak-demand period this is the worst possible news.

The beauty of contract farming lies in the fact that it encourages demand-driven farm production