- With diversification of use, domestic battery production has continuously marked positive growth over the previous year since '93.
| 1993 |
+1% |
| 1994 |
+7% |
| 1995 |
+8% |
| 1996 |
+10% |
| 1997 |
+11%
|
In 1997, production amounted to \800.1 billion, exceeding the \800 billion line for the first time. Of the three main key devices of semiconductors, LCDs and batteries, the first two suffered reduced production due to dropping prices. Batteries alone have exceeded the previous year's production figures for 5 consecutive years since '93.
- Breakdown of battery production
-
Primary batteries (used-up type)
|
(25%) |
\196.9 billion
|
| Manganese dry batteries |
(25%) |
\48.3 billion |
| Alkali manganese batteries |
(41%) |
\81.2 billion |
| Mercury oxide batteries |
(6%) |
\12.8 billion |
| Lithium batteries |
(26%) |
\51 billion |
| Others |
(2%) |
\3.6 billion |
-
Secondary batteries (rechargeable)
|
(75%) |
\603.2 billion |
| Lead storage batteries |
(30%) |
\178.9 billion |
| Alkali storage batteries |
(18%) |
\112.1 billion |
| Nickel hydride batteries |
(17%) |
\102.5 billion |
| Lithium ion batteries |
(35%) |
\209.7 billion
|
(59%, or \105 billion, of which are for automobiles excluding motorcycles) (95%, or \106.8 billion, of which are Ni-Cd batteries)
- In 1997, exports from Japan amounted to \314.2 billion, equivalent to 39% of total domestic production. If we break them down:
Primary batteries/\51.2 billion (16%) Secondary batteries/\263 billion (84%)
Destinations of primary battery exports were:
| Asia |
59.4% |
| Europe |
19.9% |
North America
|
14.3% |
| Latin America |
3.9% |
| Oceania |
1.3% |
| Middle East |
0.8% |
| Africa |
0.4% |
Destinations of secondary battery exports were:
| Asia |
37.0% |
| Europe |
32.9% |
North America
|
28.8% |
| Latin America |
0.5% |
| Oceania |
0.5% |
| Middle East |
0.3% |
| Africa |
0.1% |
- In 1997, battery imports amounted to \24.46 billion, equivalent to about 3.1% of total domestic production. If we break them down:
Primary batteries/\9.64 billion (39.4%) Secondary batteries/\14.82 billion (60.6%)
Countries exporting primary batteries to Japan were:
| Asia |
57.8% |
North America
|
38.7% |
| Europe |
2.5% |
| Latin America |
0.8% |
| Middle East |
0.2% |
Countries exporting secondary batteries to Japan were:
| Asia |
59.3% |
North America
|
32.9% |
| Europe |
7.6% |
Latin America
|
0.2% |
- In terms of the value of imports, the average unit price of US-made primary batteries was \70, and that of Asian-made was \14.6, or about 1/5. (Indonesia and Singapore are enjoying large shares, but China is taking an increasingly greater share.) Indonesia and Singapore are mass-manufacturing selected categories only, which makes them internationally competitive. The unit prices of U.K.-, US- and Swiss-made secondary batteries are between 20-100 times higher than those manufactured in Hong Kong and Singapore. Such being the case, imports from Europe and North America are mostly expensive lead storage batteries, and those from Asia, low priced Ni-Cd batteries. Imports of secondary batteries for consumer electronics such as PCs, word processors and mobile phones have increased rapidly since 1994.
- Because of the increase of lighter, more compact AV equipment, AA rather than B or A sizes of primary batteries are selling well. For the sake of environmental protection, mercury battery production was discontinued in 1995. Instead, electric batteries, with an oxidizing anode, are commonly used for hearing aids and beepers.
- Many Japanese manufacturers go overseas mainly for production of manganese dry batteries. The batteries are either sold in local markets or exported to other countries, but only a limited quantity are imported into Japan. Some Ni-Cd batteries are produced overseas.
- Japan-made batteries feature very high quality, low cost and high productivity. In particular, the quality of Japan-made secondary batteries, which require sophisticated engineering, is exceptionally high, and 44% of secondary batteries manufactured in Japan are exported. Imports are equivalent to only 2.4% of total domestic production.
- Individual manufacturers insure themselves against PL (Product Liability) cases, but the Battery Association of Japan does not. So far, no major accidents have been reported.
- The collection ratio of lead batteries for recycling is 95%, but that of Ni-Cd batteries is still quite low.
- As for primary batteries, the top four manufacturers together account for 90% of market share. Three have their own sales companies, which wholesale the products to retailers. Imports are distributed to retailers by trading companies. Some major supermarkets purchase batteries from domestic manufacturers and market them under their own brand. Most of the batteries are retailed at convenience stores, supermarkets and mass merchandisers, because batteries are often purchased "while shopping for other goods" and "because shoppers suddenly remember they need one while shopping for other goods." Sales at convenience stores and supermarkets combined account for 50% of the total sales, and those at mass merchandisers, 15%. More recently, some booksellers also carry batteries. Since a large portion of mercury oxide batteries are used as power sources for cameras and wristwatches, they are mainly sold at camera stores and watch sellers. Because primary batteries are dispo! sable, they move very quickly. An overwhelming majority of secondary batteries are sold by being built into equipment via OEM production, etc.
- There are no regulations concerning imports and marketing of primary or secondary batteries, but rechargable Ni-Cd storage batteries are regulated by the Recycling Act.
Data courtesy of the Battery Association of Japan |
