Cemented Carbide Tool Shipment is Estimated to Decrease to 287 Billion Yen for F2012

Japan Cemented Carbide Tool Manufacturers’ Association announced on 16th cemented carbide tool shipment estimation for Japan of fiscal 2012 will decrease to 287 billion yen from 304 billion yen announced in June. Shipments of the first half was below original forecast of 149.8 billion yen to 143.6 billion yen. In the second half, it is not estimated to reach original forecast of 154.2 billion yen. It is expected to remain the first half level to 143.4 billion yen due to slow down concern of transport machinery industry which accounts for around 40%. It is 80.3% of 357.2 billion yen in fiscal 2007 which is the highest record.