Due to Japanese manufacturers' heavy reliance on Middle Eastern aluminum metal supplies, several Japanese enterprises were forced to cut production and urgently seek alternative supply sources after the conflict disrupted key shipping routes.
The most visibly affected were automakers and parts manufacturers, such as Toyota Motor and Denso Corp. Industry data showed that approximately 70% of aluminum imports by Japanese domestic automakers came from the Middle East.
Since the outbreak of this round of conflict, aluminum prices had risen by approximately 13% cumulatively. One of the enterprises already feeling the impact was Kato Light Metal Industries. The company, headquartered in Aichi Prefecture, produces a wide range of aluminum products, primarily for the automotive sectors.
