More German companies in Japan see the country as a manufacturing hub for Asia — and not just as a sales market — with stability, affordability and proximity to major markets cited as top draws, according to a survey by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan).
Regulatory robustness and relative affordability of operation, due to the weakness of the yen against the euro, contribute to Japan being an attractive choice for manufacturers. Japan’s proximity to other large markets in Asia, including Southeast Asia and China, also adds to its allure.
There are some 730 German companies in Japan, of which 84 operate production or assembly sites at 132 locations. In the report released last week, 41% of the respondents said they export Japan-manufactured products to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, 38% said they ship to China, and 29% to North America.
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