Japan’s cemented carbide production drops in 2012
March 4, 2013
Following three years of growth in 2009-2011, Japan’s cemented carbide (hardmetal) industry saw a 5.3% fall in production in 2012 mainly as a result of a sharp drop in output in the final quarter of the year.
The Japan Cemented Carbide Tool Manufacturers Association reported that 5580 tonnes of cemented carbide had been produced in 2012 of which around 75% was for tungsten carbide based cutting tools, 12.7% WC wear parts, 2.8% mining and civil engineering tools, and others around 8%.
Total value of cemented carbide production in Japan in 2012 was reported as Yen287,285 billion ($3.122 billion), which is down 1.4% on the corresponding value in 2011.
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