We’re collecting all used tires for export in Japan, which means our used tire business is affected by the entire new tire here.

I’m describing the whole tire industry and recycling in Japan through today and next blog quoting the statistics from Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA).

According to their statistic, the production number of the Japanese whole tire industry in 2020 shrank by 17.4% from 2019. The COVID-19 hit the industry and the number was badly affected during lockdown or state of emergency. In every sector including car, light truck, and heavy truck and bus, the number diminished by 10 to 20% from the last year.
Indeed, we have fewer bus used tires 295/80R22.5 than the previous year. This is caused by the long-distance bus industries such as sightseeing hardly worked in 2020.

What would this environment affect the recycling business?
I will explain it in the next blog.