Tokyo – Asahi Kasei Corp. is expecting strong demand for its tire rubber materials this year, officials said at a recent conference about the company’s 2016 financial results.
“Demand for synthetic rubber for fuel-efficient tires has been firm,” said a transcript of the meeting, noting that both lines at Asahi’s Singapore plant have been “fully utilised” recently.
“Shipments of FY 2017 will be increasing,” the statement forecast. “Terms of trade for both of synthetic rubber… are expected to improve, and profit will be increasing over the previous year.”
In its 2016 financial year, Asahi increased shipments for synthetic rubber for fuel-efficient tires, but the business was impacted by the strength of the yen.
