Nihon Seiko Eyes Antimony Trioxide Production in China

Nihon Seiko, Japanese largest producer of antimony trioxide, targets the net sales of 10 billion yen and the recurring profit of more than 1 billion yen along the mid-term management plan starting in 2007. The firm examines capital expenditure for China, the world largest antimony producer.Nihon Seiko sold antimony products of 7,300 tonnes in fiscal 2006 ended March 2007 including OEM (original equipment manufacturing) products manufactured by Chinese company. The sales volume upped by 8.1% from previous year and hit the record. The sales of OEM products increased mainly in offshore markets.Nihon Seiko will launch the new mid-term management plan in July 2007. The firm will invest for China along the plan with possibility to establish a joint venture with Chinese local companies.The background is that Chinese government is strengthening its antimony export regulation. Chinese tax refund was abolished on its antimony metal export in September 2006, a main material for antimony trioxide. On the other hand, 5% of tax refund still exists on the export of antimony trioxide. Chinese antimony trioxide is advantageous in price competitiveness. Nihon Seiko may start local production of antimony trioxide in China for better competitiveness.