According to the Feb. 14 report on rubber product production and shipments published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the total value of rubber product shipments in 2022 (January-December) was 2.3 trillion yen ($22.72 billion), up 5.1% from the previous year, marking the second consecutive year of year-on-year growth. By product category, the value of rubber products...
Market Background
Carbon Black Demand Forecast for 2023
The Carbon Black Association of Japan recently compiled a forecast for carbon black demand in 2023, which is expected to be 727,250 tons, up 3.4% from the previous year. This is based on economy showing signs of improvement, such as a recovery in consumer behavior, a resurgence in capital investment, and an increase in exports, as the coronavirus pandemic has...
[lwa template="modal" register="0"]Subscribe

Nitta Mulls Further Globalizing Business Divisions, Products
During a recent update, Nitta’s president Yasunori Ishikiriyama said that the first phase of the company’s medium- to long-term management plan “Shift2030” may need to be reviewed depending on demand in certain industries. The review process is slated to start while taking into account the progress of EV conversion. In addition, Nitta will further promote globalization by business division and...
[lwa template="modal" register="0"]Subscribe

Sumitomo Rubber President Yamamoto Reviews 2022, Maps out Initiatives and Policies for 2023
Sumitomo Rubber President Satoru Yamamoto recently looked back on the year 2022 and discussed the company’s EV tires and sensing core business initiatives. Looking Back at 2022 Yamamoto said that with regard to the economic environment, the outlook remained uncertain due to the continuing impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the situation in Ukraine, as well as further inflationary pressures....
[lwa template="modal" register="0"]Subscribe
Bando Chemical Posts First Half Results, Revenue Up But Profit Down on High Raw Material Prices
Bando Chemical’s first half (April-September) results (IFRS) showed revenue of 52.2 billion yen ($378.70 million), up 13.1 percent year-on-year; and core operating profit of 3.65 billion yen, down 16.6 percent. Sales of products remained strong despite the lingering impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Sales also increased due to the weaker yen. On the other hand, the cost of sales ratio...
[lwa template="modal" register="0"]Subscribe
Industry Trends: Signs of Recovery in Automotive Rubber Parts Performance
Are we on the way toward a full-fledged recovery in demand? As rubber and plastic product manufacturers continue to announce their first half (April-September) earnings results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, a recovery trend becomes visible in the automobile industry, the main source of demand. With the global economic outlook uncertain, it remains to be seen whether...
[lwa template="modal" register="0"]Subscribe