The countries most dependent on exports to Japan

IN YESTERDAY'S daily chart we looked at the possible cost to Japan's economy of this month's Tohoku earthquake. The impact will not be confined to Japan, however. The damage to ports, railways, power stations, refineries and consumer confidence has already interrupted the country's imports, with some coal shipments diverted elsewhere. Which economies are most exposed to a slowdown in Japan? Brunei's exports to the country account for over 28% of its GDP. But like those of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Brunei's exports comprise oil and natural gas, which will eventually benefit from the damage to Japan's nuclear industry. Malaysia's timber exports may also enjoy a boost from reconstruction. More exposed are Singapore and Thailand. In addition to their sizeable exports to Japan, they rely on imports of its components for the smooth running of their manufacturing industries.