Corporate Japan warns of new normal for supply chains after US-Iran deal

Senior executives at Japan's major industrial groups say a structural transition is under way in global supply chains following the US-Iran framework deal. Internal reports prepared at Mitsui, Mitsubishi and Sumitomo show the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has created new risk management needs that go beyond merely normalising raw-material shipments.

According to assessments compiled by Nikkei Asia, companies are no longer planning around the next war, but for sustainable logistics under the shadow of war. Tanker insurance premiums remain above pre-war levels. Many groups are putting growth of alternative storage hubs such as Singapore, Gibraltar and Cape Town on the agenda.

Executives say Japan's annual energy import bill is trending lower in dollar terms, but the cost of back-up capacity and alternative routes balances the headline figure. The Bank of Japan said its next quarterly report will discuss these structural shifts coming from the corporate sector. Investors are continuing selective buying in maritime shipping equities.