Tokyo, Sept 25, 2007 (Jiji Press) - Shipments of home electric appliances in Japan in August, excluding air conditioners, grew 3.6 pct from a year earlier to 113.4 billion yen, rising for the fifth consecutive month, industry data showed Tuesday.

The sales figure was the highest in five years for the month of August, according to the data compiled by the Japan Electrical Manufactures' Association.

The increase came as sales of refrigerators rose 8.8 pct to 38.4 billion yen on the back of record-breaking summer heat waves during the latest reporting month.

Sales of washing machines dropped 3.0 pct in volume, but grew 4.0 pct in value thanks to strong demand for high-priced products. Sales were robust as well for cooking heaters and rice cookers.

By contrast, sales of microwave ovens declined both in volume and value.