Japan's rubber imports increased by 5.1% in 2011

Sinochem Xinhua News According to the data released by the Japan Rubber Traders Association on February 6, 2011, the rubber import volume was 785,302 tons, an increase of 5.1% over the previous year. Among them, Japan's rubber imports in December amounted to 62,326 tons, an increase of 6.6% year-on-year, but the import volume decreased by 9.6% compared to November, as trade activity slowed before the arrival of the New Year.

The association did not provide reasons for the reduction in Japanese rubber imports, but traders pointed out that Japanese demand and manufacturing picked up after the March earthquake and tsunami disaster.

According to data released recently by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Japan’s production of cars, trucks, and buses increased by 13.4% year-on-year in December.

In addition, after rubber prices hit a record high in February last year, the country’s purchase of natural rubber also increased. At present, rubber prices have fallen by about 40% from the record high.