JATMA profiles tyre industry of Japan 2012

ERJ staff report (DS)

Tokyo - Japan's production of automobile tyres in 2011 increased by 1.2% from the previous year due to the increase in domestic

demand, although exports decreased, according to data from Japan's Association of Automotive Tyre makers (JATMA).

JATMA said Japan's tyre activities comprise 82 percent of the volume of rubber processed in japan, but only 55 percent of the sales value. Non-tyre rubber goods make up the remainder. Tyre production increased over the year-before figure, but still has not reached rgw volume of rubber processed in the peak year of 2007.

While overall numbers increased, production of passenger car tyres and motorcycle tyres decreased compared to the previous year. Production of light truck tyres; heavy truck tyres and special vehicle tyres all increased. In the OE segment, productin was significantly down in all segments except heavy truck tyres.

In 2011 (from Jan. to Dec.), “tyre replacement” and “vehicle scrapping” produced the total of 92 million scrap tyres

(used tyres) in quantity and 998,000 tons in weight, decreased by 2 million tyres in quantity and increased by 1,000

tons in weight from the previous year.

In January

2010, JATMA launched their voluntary standard “Tyre Labeling System” by displaying performance levels of fuel efficient

tyres on the labels plainly for consumers, for the purpose of further promotion of fuel efficient tyres.

JATMA said Japan used more raw materials in 2011 than in 2010. Consumption of rayon was up by 11 percent at 4000 tonnes, while NR consumption was up by 4 percent at 681,570 tonnes. SR consumption rose by just 1 percent, to 512,000 tonnes.

The publication also gives time-series data on tyre production in different categories

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2012 year book from JATMA