Such being the case, imports from Europe and North America are mostly expensive lead storage batteries, and those from Asia, low priced Ni-Cd batteries. Imports of secondary batteries for consumer electronics such as PCs, word processors and mobile phones have increased rapidly since 1994. Because of the increase of lighter, more compact AV equipment, AA rather than B or A sizes of primary batteries are selling well. For the sake of environmental protection, mercury battery production was discontinued in 1995. Instead, electric batteries, with an oxidizing anode, are commonly used for hearing aids and beepers.
Many Japanese manufacturers go overseas mainly for production of manganese dry batteries.
The batteries are either sold in local markets or exported to other countries, but only a limited quantity are imported into Japan. Some Ni-Cd batteries are produced overseas. Japan-made batteries feature very high quality, low cost and high productivity. So far, no major accidents have been reported. Three have their own sales companies, which wholesale the products to retailers.