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...
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...
The so-called 2024 Problem, which refers to a cap on overtime hours for truck drivers in Japan that came into effect in April and results in transportation capacity shortages, has reached the rubber-related industries as well. Not only are transportation costs continuing to rise, but the conditions demanded by shippers, such as shorter waiting times for cargo, are becoming even...
Signs of recovery have emerged in demand for fluorine rubber sheets, which had been in a slump. With the elimination of the oversupply of semiconductors, there has been movement in the production of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which had been undergoing production adjustments, and this has led to an upturn in current demand. Demand for silicone rubber sheets is also increasing...
According to statistics compiled by the Japan Belting Industry Association, Japanese conveyor belt production in 2023 was 9,073 tons, down 5% from the previous year, marking the second consecutive year of decline and the second year in a row that production has fallen below 10,000 tons. Japanese domestic demand was boosted by an increase in automobile production due to the...
The U.S. and China are not only the two largest economies in the world, but also the world’s number one and number two consumers of new rubber. The economic situation in the two countries has had a significant impact on the performance of Japanese rubber companies. In China, in addition to economic stagnation, Japanese automakers are struggling with sales. In...
