The business results of Japanese synthetic fiber manufacturers for the April–September 2025 period showed a mixed picture. Companies that had previously performed well struggled under the impact of U.S. tariff policies, while those advancing structural reforms centered on their textile businesses achieved improvements in profitability.
Toray Industries, Inc.’s textile business recorded lower sales but higher profits. Apparel applications remained generally firm, while industrial applications such as automotive materials had yet to see a full recovery in market conditions. Amid this environment, efforts to reduce costs secured profit growth. On the other hand, the carbon fiber composite materials business posted declines in both sales and profits. Although aerospace applications were on a recovery trend in actual demand, inventory adjustments in distribution continued. General industrial applications, such as pressure vessel uses, also entered an adjustment phase.
Teijin Limited’s fiber and product business saw lower sales and profits. Sales of apparel textiles to China decreased due to advance shipments made in the previous term, but sales of textiles and products to North America and the domestic market remained firm. Industrial materials such as polyester staple fibers for water treatment and daily-use materials continued to perform well. However, increased expenses for future expansion reduced profits. Meanwhile, the materials business posted an operating loss, affected by large-scale regular maintenance in aramid fibers. Nevertheless, both aramid fibers and carbon fibers are undergoing structural reforms, leading to improved profitability.
Asahi Kasei Corp.’s materials business recorded lower sales and profits. Within this, both the car interior business, which includes textile-related products, and the comfort life business saw declines. The car interior business increased sales volumes mainly in Europe, but the strong yen and higher selling, general, and administrative expenses weighed on earnings. In the comfort life business, sales volumes of the cupro fiber “Bemberg” decreased due to intensified competition with other materials in the Indian market. Demand for the polyurethane elastic fiber “Roica” also declined, and U.S. tariff policies further slowed shipments.
At Toyobo Co., Ltd. the environment and functional materials business posted lower sales and profits, but profitability of nonwoven materials improved thanks to a review of domestic production systems. The functional fibers and trading business achieved a significant increase in profits despite lower sales, showing steady progress in structural reforms. Exports of fabrics to the Middle East were strong, and domestic production systems for sports applications were consolidated. However, base fabrics for airbags were affected by production cuts among Japanese customers.
Unitika Ltd., which is working on a business revitalization plan, improved profitability in both functional materials and textile businesses through price revisions and other measures. The transfer destination for its textile business has been mostly decided, and overall company profitability is improving.
Although not directly comparable since it covers January–June, Kuraray Co., Ltd.’s trading business posted higher sales and profits, continuing strong performance in the sports and outdoor sectors. On the other hand, the textile business recorded an operating loss. Sales of the artificial leather “Clarino” declined in luxury and automotive applications. Textile materials also continued to be affected by sluggish market conditions in European construction applications.