[Emergency Survey] 64.6% Face Cutting Tool Delivery Delays; Impact Spreads Across Japanese Factories Due to Tungsten Price Hike

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.