It's time to invest in spork futures, kiddies.

Mainichi Daily News: Chinese restriction on production of disposable chopsticks hits Japan hard

A restriction that the Chinese government has placed on the production of disposable wooden chopsticks to protect forests is beginning to affect Japanese box lunch companies, restaurants and pubs, industry sources said.

In November last year, Chinese exporters notified Japanese buyers that they would raise the price of disposable chopsticks by 50 percent because of the rising cost of wood. However, Chinese products, which were 1 to 2 yen a pair, were still less expensive than their Japanese counterparts, which were priced at 2 to 20 yen.

The move was followed by the Chinese government's announcement in March that it would restrict the production of disposable chopsticks, and then totally ban them in order to protect domestic forests.

Critics argue that Japan is paying the price for relying on cheap imported chopsticks. Moreover, it illustrates the hollowing of Japan's agriculture and forestry production.

Until about 20 years ago, about half of disposable chopsticks consumed in Japan were produced domestically. However, imports of less expensive Chinese products have since sharply increased, now accounting for 90 percent of disposable chopsticks consumed in Japan.

Asaka Bussan, a Tokyo-based wholesaler that sells chopsticks to discount shops, responded to the rise in prices of Chinese products by decreasing the number of chopsticks in each package from 80 pairs to 50.

Marche Co., the operator of a chain of 760 pubs and restaurants, replaced disposable chopsticks with reusable plastic chopsticks. About 250 pubs operated by Marche give 50-yen awards to customers who bring their own chopsticks. Once customers accumulate 500-yen worth of points, they will be given a 500-yen food or drink coupon.

On the other hand, convenience store operators such as Lawson and Seven-Eleven have so far taken a wait-and-see attitude.