According to revised production statistics released by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the nation’s production of nonwoven fabrics during January-June 2018 increased by 3.7% year-on-year to 173,610 tons.
Production increased across the board with the exception of other nonwoven fabrics, confirming that demand continues to be strong.
By item, the production of spunbonded/meltblown fabrics, which had been decreasing as manufacturers expand their overseas production, turned upward with a 2.8% growth to 51,886 tons, as demands continues to remain vigorous centering on materials for sanitary goods and daily commodities.
Spunlaced fabric production sharply increased by 11.2% to 25,246 tons, because makers increased their production as applications in wet tissue and face masks continued to be favorable. Demand remains brisk, and the production space appears to be slightly tight.
Needle-punched fabric production was also active with a 4.9% growth to 37,825 tons. Demand appears to be stable for application in automotives and interior goods such as carpets.
June ending stocks rose 0.6% from the previous month to 36,570 tons, of which dry-laid types increased by 0.5% to 31,886 tons and wet-laid types were up 1.6% to 4,684 tons.