Nitta Corp. has launched sales of Linemate LB70, a new series of ultra-flexible resin hose products with applications in hydraulic piping for machine tools and machining work. The new hoses are 15-25 percent more flexible than existing products and also have a major weight advantage.
The automobile market in Japan is going through a difficult period, said Yujiro Kanahara, president of Nippon Goodyear Ltd., speaking recently to Japan Rubber Weekly. This is particularly true in the tire sector, where Nippon Goodyear faces a number of strong rivals and where market growth is limited, Kanahara said. Still, he believes there are opportunities for growth.
Guangzhou Fengli Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd., southern China's biggest manufacturer of radial tires and owner of Wanli Tire, has decided to enter the Japanese market. This will provide a foothold for its global expansion strategy, thus ensuring a prime base from which to expand elsewhere overseas.
Trading Companies Part 2—Although many trading firms focus on domestic demand, a generational change has been under way recently, resulting in an increase in younger managers. Merchants of this new generation have begun setting their sights not just within the country but overseas as well. They are also eager to explore new markets and develop new technologies and products.
Trading Companies Part 1—A recent survey of trading companies in Japan conducted by Japan Rubber Weekly found that about 70 percent of respondents saw tough times ahead in 2016. The survey of 330 trading companies in Japan received 203 responses (62 percent response rate). Trading companies play a crucial role in Japan’s distribution.
Manufacturers Part 2—Under 1 percent of respondents answered that they expect "double-digit growth" for "forecast (planned) 2016 net sales," while roughly half the companies, or 48 percent, forecast "single-digit growth." A total of only 14 percent of respondents forecast either "single-digit" or "double-digit" declines in revenues.
