Japanese Firms Rush to Buy Carbon Credits Ahead of Mandatory Trading Plan

Japanese companies are actively purchasing carbon credits on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's voluntary market in anticipation of the country's mandatory carbon trading plan, according to a Tokyo Stock Exchange official. Natsuko Gunji, General Manager of the Exchange's Carbon Trading Office, noted significant market demand, partly driven by expectations of the GX-ETS launch. According to Jin10, some companies are also eager to retire their credits within the current fiscal year to fulfill climate commitments. Last February and April, the price of carbon credits generated from renewable energy in Japan peaked at 6,600 yen per ton, approximately $42.12, before declining by nearly 25%. Despite the drop, the price remains above the 4,300 yen quota price cap proposed by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry for the GX-ETS market in December.