Kuraray increases isoprene sales but losses widen

Tokyo – Kuraray has reported higher sales but widened loss within its isoprene business unit, which manufactures chemicals and elastomers among other products.

For the quarter ended 30 Sept, the Japanese group posted 20% year-on-year higher sales of Yen56 billion (€350 million) but operating loss increased to over Yen5.5 billion, compared to a loss of Yen4 billion reported for the same period last year.

Sales improved within the segment as volumes increased for both isoprene chemicals and elastomers, driven by demand recovery, particularly in automotive applications.

Volumes alone contributed Yen4.6 billion to operating profit, as sales grew from operations in Thailand (ERJ report), said Kuraray 19 Nov. 

These were offset by price revisions, in line with changes in raw material and fuel prices; a Yen2.2 billion decrease in selling price/product mix as well as a Yen5.6 billion cost of depreciation and inventory valuation differences in Thailand.