Disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are rippling through Japan's healthcare supply chain, constraining access to plastic-based items such as gloves and dialysis tubing and underscoring heavy import dependence, Nikkei reported Friday.
Smaller clinics are seeing tighter availability, with some turning to online channels where buying limits have emerged, including at Askul (TYO:2678). The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has received thousands of requests for assistance and plans to release stockpiled gloves, according to the report.
Japan relies on imports for over 99% of medical gloves, with production concentrated in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, while naphtha-based plastics remain central to most medical equipment, the report said.
Supply remains adequate for now, but costs are rising and suppliers are signaling increases, while hospitals flag a weakening outlook. The government is preparing financial support to help Southeast Asia secure energy supplies and stabilize flows of critical materials, according to the report.
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