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.
Manufacturers Part 1—A recent survey conducted by Japan Rubber Weekly found that over half of respondents, or 54 percent, expect the rubber industry's performance to remain "stable" in 2016, while 23 percent believe it will be "somewhat better" or "better." Meanwhile, 21 percent responded that it will be "somewhat worse" or "worse."
New Year’s Top Interview—Increases in sales of automotive components in China have kept sales up at Hokusay Rubber Industry Co. Ltd., company President Shinichi Yoneya said in a recent interview with Japan Rubber Weekly.
A manufacturer of industrial rubber products in Japan’s Hokuriku area, Hokusay boasts strong business performance in the areas of automotive weather strip and construction gasket products.
New Year’s Top Interview—Although his company has no immediate plans to open new bases, it is in the midst of aggressively expanding existing facilities, said Tadaaki Yasufuku, president of Yasufuku Rubber Industries Co. Ltd., speaking about what’s in store for the company in a recent interview with Japan Rubber Weekly.
With a total of eight bases in the six countries of Japan, the U.S., Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil and Thailand, Yasufuku Rubber makes rubber components for automobiles and recreational vehicles including motorcycles, ATVs and jet skis.
