Since 2026, delivery delays, order restrictions, and price hikes for cutting tools have become frequent due to the soaring cost of tungsten, impacting manufacturing sites across Japan. However, a lack of quantitative data showing the severity across the industry has left countermeasures lagging.

In response, 'Takumi Senpai,' a cutting tool information site, conducted a survey of 65 tool users to visualize the current situation on the factory floor.

### Survey Summary The investigation revealed the following: - 64.6% experienced delivery delays for cutting tools. - 29.2% faced order restrictions or rejected quotes. - 53.9% have not consulted about passing the price increase onto their product prices. - 32.3% responded that there is a 'high possibility that products they cannot process will emerge in the future.' - Top improvement measures: 'Switching tool manufacturers,' 'Utilizing regrinding,' and 'Reviewing processing conditions.' - The impact is nationwide and particularly severe for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

### Survey Overview: 'Cutting Tool Procurement and Impact on Manufacturing Sites' Method: Web survey form on Takumi Senpai Period: April 27, 2026 – May 18, 2026 Respondents: 65 cutting tool users

### Detailed Data Analysis #### 1. 64.6% Experience Delivery Delays When asked about delivery delays since 2026, 64.6% of users reported delays. The breakdown includes 3.1% for 'many tools,' 21.5% for 'some tools,' and 40.0% for 'a small portion of tools.'

#### 2. 29.2% Face Order Restrictions or Rejected Quotes Regarding supply restrictions, 29.2% of users confirmed occurrences. This includes 3.1% for both 'order restrictions and rejected quotes,' 20.0% for 'order restrictions only,' and 6.1% for 'rejected quotes only.'

#### 3. 53.9% Have Not Consulted on Price Pass-through Regarding the passing of rising tool costs into product prices, 53.9% answered they 'have not consulted' their customers. Meanwhile, 36.9% confirmed they have 'already passed through prices (including partial).'

#### 4. 32.3% Warn of Future Inability to Process Products Regarding future impacts, 32.3% of users stated it is 'highly likely to occur in the future,' highlighting how supply instability directly poses a risk to business continuity.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey