Islands Dispute Hits Japan Device Sales In China While Pharma Less Affected

Both Japanese and Chinese device makers have reported lower sales and profits linked to a rift over disputed islands, potentially signaling a lengthy period of strained trade ties.

BEIJING – A bitter spat over a crop of islands sitting atop oil and gas reserves in the East China Sea has had a knock-on effect on trade between China and Japan, with sales of medical devices and pharma products taking a hit. Industry executives have cautioned that there may be a long-term effect on business practices, although some are betting innovative products will cut through any barriers.

Japanese major device maker Sysmex Corp., for example, has revised its forecasts down for new product sales in China...

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