Electronic Materials Industry Poised for Rebound After Two Down Years

摘要

Japanese production of electronic materials in 2003 is expected to reach ￥308.333 billion, a 3 percent increase from 2002. According to the Electronic Materials Manufacturers Association of Japan (EMAJ), production of electronic materials in 2002 totaled ￥299.455 billion, a 4 percent decline from the previous year. After peaking in 2000 at ￥434.9 billion, production slipped for two consecutive years. The slowdown in the information and telecommunication (IT) sector took a heavy toll on electronic materials. In this tough business environment Japanese electronic materials manufacturers have cut domestic production and shifted production outside Japan, including China. This has contributed to a slowdown in domestic production. Against this backdrop, Japanese electronic materials manufacturers are focusing on materials for digital home electric and electronic appliances and automobiles that are increasing becoming computerized. By emphasizing high-performance and high-value-added electronic materials, manufacturers are trying to enhance international competitiveness and revitalize domestic production.