Japan Federation of Construction Contractors announced the total sales of 98 member companies in the first half of FY2013 increased 38.9% from the previous year to 7 trillion yen, achieving the highest level in 10 years. Especially in September, the sales doubled from the same period in a year earlier. Though it is mainly because of last minute demand before the consumption tax increase, multiple factors such as economic recovery and outlook of increasing costs of hands and materials possibly affected the result, the federation noted.

Domestic contracts sold approx. 6.7 trillion yen, increasing 37.9% and overseas sold 309 billion yen, up 64.9%. Domestic constructions in private sectors including factories, hospitals, schools and housing were valued at 4.7 trillion yen, increased by 43.1%. The sales of public works were 1.7 trillion yen, a 26.2% increase. (2013/10/25)