Japanese rubber

According to the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association, local production of rubber articles could top 1.3 million tons by the end of 2010, a 7% increase over 2009; it would be a positive result though it would only represent a partial recovery of the 28% dip recorded last year.
Tires represent more than 80% of rubber production and the industry will benefit from the remarkable turnaround (+11%) experienced by domestic auto manufacturers. Conversely, output of footwear and "other" rubber products are not expected to vary significantly with respect to last year.
There are some 650 rubber processing companies in Japan employing almost 111,000 people and bringing in revenues of 1,800 billion yen in 2009 (close to 17 billion euros).