Japanese trading companies report record profits amid rising resource prices

Five major Japanese general trading companies reported increased net profits for the first half of the 2026 fiscal year, with several achieving record highs. Mitsui & Co., Itochu Corporation, and Marubeni all saw record first-half net profits.

Key drivers for this performance include rising commodity prices for copper, metallurgical coal, and aluminum, fueled by demand for AI data center infrastructure. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz led to price surges in crude oil, LNG, and petrochemicals. While resource rights contributed significantly, many companies also profited from increased trading margins during these price fluctuations.