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A TOTO factory in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. (Photo = AFP Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Sang Jin] TOTO Ltd. has suspended new orders and production of its unit bath products due to supply disruptions caused by escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to a report by the Nikkei on April 13.
The move comes as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz shows signs of prolonging, making it increasingly difficult to secure naphtha—a key raw material used in the production of modular bathtubs.
TOTO has notified wholesalers involved in bathroom construction of the suspension, though it has not specified when orders will resume.
Unit baths are a common feature in Japanese homes, consisting of pre-fabricated components such as bathtubs, flooring, and toilets that are assembled on-site, allowing for faster and more efficient installation.
Naphtha is an essential material used in producing films and coatings for these units. According to industry data cited in the report, Japan relies on the Middle East for approximately 40% of its domestic naphtha supply, highlighting the vulnerability of supply chains to geopolitical disruptions in the region.
AlphaBIZ Kim SangJin(ceo@alphabiz.co.kr)
