JAPANESE freight forwarder Yusen Logistics, formerly NYK Logistics, posted a 79 per cent first half fiscal profit drop to JPY282 million (US$2.8 million), drawn on revenues of JPY199.450 billion, up 23 per cent.

Its first half results showed a gap in 2012 profit, up 24.5 per cent to JPY1.538 billion. The decline in the same period 2013 was attributed to the absence of extraordinary gains.

The logistics unit of NYK Line's April to September figures reflected sea cargo volume growth but a decline in air freight volume, which "remained stuck in the doldrums", said a company statement.

Domestic consumption in Japan and the United States showed recovery while the European economy remained uncertain. China and some other Asian countries also slowed down its growth.