The Japan Asphalt Admixture Association (Japan Association, President Yasuhiko Imaizumi) compiled the production volume of asphalt admixture (preliminary figures) of its member companies in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 (April to June) increased by 3.9% year-on-year. down 7.09 million tons. This has fallen below 8 million tons for the third consecutive year. Production output in April, May, and June was lower than the same period last year, setting a new record low. As demand continues to decline, 21 associations, or about half of the 46 associations that responded to the survey, are making recommendations and exchanging opinions with construction-related organizations and government agencies in an effort to secure production volume.
By production volume, new materials for highways and other uses fell 2.0% year-on-year to 1.8 million tonnes, while recycled materials, which are mainly used for conventional roads, fell 4.5% to 5.29 million tonnes. Production volume was 2.2 million tonnes in April and May and 2.53 million tonnes in June. June was the 11th consecutive month that the figure was lower than the same period last year.
Of the 10 regions nationwide, only the Hokuriku and Kinki regions saw sales increase compared to the April-June period of the previous year. In Hokuriku, shipments for the Noto Peninsula earthquake recovery were notable, and Ishikawa Prefecture was the only prefecture among 47 to have production volume surpassing the same period last year for two consecutive years. Shiga Prefecture had the highest increase of 39.3%, which is considered a reactionary increase compared to the same period last year, followed by Ishikawa Prefecture at 34.4%. Hiroshima Prefecture had the highest decline of 25.5%, due to backlash from road construction projects related to last year's G7 Hiroshima Summit.
According to the status of each association that the Japan Federation of Associations requested a response in June, 21 associations are taking steps to secure production volume, 24 are not, and one association did not respond. The association implementing the project is asking for financial security for the paving work.
Despite a strong sense of crisis in production volumes, reasons given for not doing so included ``focusing on ensuring appropriate prices and profits'', ``the activity did not lead to results'' and ``it was difficult for the Composite Materials Association (not the construction company) to do it alone''. Three associations responded that their activities were producing results. One report said that “we are asking government agencies to ensure funding for road paving work” and that “we can find a way out through joint petitions” with the construction association.
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