Showa KDE to Distribute CNPC Powder Materials in Japan

Strategic Alliance Expands CNPC Powder’s Reach in East Asia

Showa KDE Co., based in Tokyo, has signed a distribution agreement with CNPC Powder, a Vancouver-based leader in metal powder materials. This partnership will bring CNPC Powder’s portfolio—including titanium, aluminium, nickel, and iron-based alloys—to the Japanese additive manufacturing market. The deal marks a major step in CNPC’s global expansion. Japan plays a key role in East Asian industrial demand.

In June 2025, Showa KDE’s Precision Metals Division visited CNPC Powder’s production site in Anhui, China. The team inspected the Additive Manufacturing workshop, quality control labs, and the automated AMP production line. They gained insight into CNPC’s advanced supply chain and SCS-certified powders like AlSi10Mg and Ti6Al4V. These materials meet Japan’s high standards for precision and environmental sustainability.

Showa KDE will now distribute CNPC powder materials in Japan. The focus will be on custom powder solutions tailored for aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. CNPC’s proprietary low-carbon circular production process aligns with Japan’s push toward sustainable manufacturing. This agreement positions both companies to meet rising demand for high-performance metal powders in one of the world’s most advanced markets.

Meanwhile, Showa KDE brings nearly a century of experience in Japan’s industrial supply chain. Known for R&D and high-tech material distribution, the company is an ideal partner for CNPC’s strategic ambitions. Together, they aim to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in Japan by improving access to reliable and certified powder materials.

Market Impact and Regional Growth Outlook

This agreement represents more than just distribution. It strengthens the regional additive manufacturing ecosystem and signals a trend toward localized material sourcing in Japan. By combining CNPC’s production capabilities with Showa KDE’s market access, the partnership offers strong potential for growth across the East Asian region.

The collaboration also highlights CNPC Powder’s ability to meet strict quality and environmental requirements in foreign markets. Japan’s precision manufacturing sector will likely benefit from faster access to custom powders that meet application-specific needs while reducing environmental impact.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The partnership between Showa KDE and CNPC Powder underscores a strategic shift in the additive manufacturing powder supply chain. As demand for custom metal powders surges across Asia, collaborations like this ensure regional access to advanced materials without sacrificing performance or sustainability. For CNPC, this is a critical foothold in Japan—a key market with global influence. For Showa KDE, it solidifies leadership in distributing next-generation AM materials. We expect further partnerships like this as supply chains regionalize and manufacturers prioritize eco-friendly sourcing.