According to revised statistics released from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the nation’s production of disposable diapers during January-June 2018 decreased by 3.8% year-on-year in terms of weight to 436,269 tons. In terms of number, production declined by 6.1% to 11,688.85 million.
First-half production of disposable diapers for babies grew by 8.0% in weight to 246,267 tons and by 10.4% in number to 7,619.33 million. While domestic demand continued to decrease due to a falling birthrate, exports to China and Southeast Asia are moving vigorously.
The production of disposable diapers for adults increased by 2.3% and 3.4% to 190,002 tons and 4,069.52 million, respectively. The increase in pad liners was particularly sharp, indicating that market for disposable diapers for adults continues to grow.