Demand for plastic hoses and tubes for semiconductor manufacturing equipment has been improving. The semiconductor industry, which had been sluggish, has been recovering on the back of strong demand for applications such as AI and EVs. Production of semiconductor manufacturing equipment has begun to move, and sales of plastic hoses used in this equipment are also on the road to...
Industry
Bridgestone Begins Research on Prevention of Para Rubber Tree Root White Rot Disease
Bridgestone has joined a project conducted by Fukuoka Bio-Community, in collaboration with Kyushu University and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), to develop preventive technology against para rubber tree root white rot, and has begun research to contribute to improving productivity in natural rubber plantations. The project is part of efforts to establish a unique sustainability business model that...

Taiwan’s Largest Conveyor Belt Manufacturer HYC Maps Out Sustainability Strategy
Hsin Yung Chien (HYC), Taiwan’s largest conveyor belt manufacturer, is promoting ESG management and striving to realize a low-carbon society. To this end, the company has established an ESG team consisting of executives from the sales, engineering, production, development, quality assurance, labor, general affairs, and auditing departments. Exclusive OEM supply to Yoshino Rubber in Japan, boasting a strong track record...
Announcement: Rubber Trade Association of Japan to Host October 4 Online Seminar
The Rubber Trade Association of Japan (RTAJ) will hold the 11th RTAJ Lecture Meeting as an English-language online presentation on the theme of “EUDR Compliance by Dong Nai Rubber Corporation” in Vietnam, one of the major natural rubber producing countries. The company, which is engaged in the planting, processing, and exporting of natural rubber, will discuss the latest trends in...
Report: Rubber Products Sales Growth Backed by Weak Yen and Price Increases
While the first half (January-June for fiscal years ending December 31, 2024) earnings results of Japan’s four tire makers were record highs and the first quarter (April-June for fiscal years ending March 31, 2025) earnings results of industrial goods makers were also solid, rubber product makers and trading company officials said that despite these figures, there is no positive response...
CEMA Publishes Construction Machinery Demand Forecast
The Japan Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) recently released its construction machinery demand forecasts for fiscal 2024 (April 2023-March 2024) and fiscal 2025 (April 2024-March 2025). The forecasts are based on a survey conducted in July among 61 regular members of the association. According to the survey, Japanese domestic shipments in fiscal 2024 are expected to slightly decline for the...