Naphtha Shortages Having a Growing Impact in Japan
3 hours ago
- #naphtha-shortage
- #Japan-economy
- #supply-chain-disruption
- Iran war-induced naphtha shortages disrupt supply chains in Japan, affecting industries reliant on petroleum-derived raw materials.
- Calbee switches to black-and-white packaging for 14 popular snack products due to shortages of ink and solvents for printing.
- Teikoku Databank reports 52 companies use naphtha to produce basic chemicals, impacting 46,741 manufacturers (30% of surveyed firms).
- Chemical, petroleum, and coal sectors are highly vulnerable, with 67.2% integrated into naphtha supply chains; cyclic intermediates, gelatin/adhesives, and surfactants producers are most affected.
- Shortages extend to pulp/paper products (80.1% of coated paper makers), food packaging, and medical supplies like syringes and rubber gloves.
- Mizkan suspends nattō sales, Nisshin Seifun Welna uses plain packaging tape, highlighting broader operational adjustments despite government assurances of stable supply.
- Continued Middle East conflict risks escalating impacts across daily life, including price hikes and sales restrictions on insulation and food packaging films.