Japan Bonded Magnet Output Increases to 27B Yen in 2007

Japanese bonded magnetic materials output is estimated to increase by 25% to 27.1 billion yen in 2007 from 2006, according to Japan Association Bonded Magnetic Materials. The association estimates the output volume increased by 19% to 14,370 tonnes. The output increased by around 30% both for rigid bond and rare earth bond magnet. Japanese firms’ offshore output increases by 10% to 39 billion yen.The rare earth bond magnet output is estimated to increase by 33% both in volume and value including magnetic powder in 2007 from 2006, according to the association. The rigid bond magnet output increased by 28% including magnetic powder. The flexible bond magnet output decreases in recent years when the audio and visual industry users shift to offshore materials.