The Americas

Despite concerns, a drop-off in residential markets had only limited impact on the U.S. economy in 2006, being offset by robust corporate-sector capital investment and an upswing in personal consumption. As a result, the economy as a whole grew 3.3%. Underpinned by a wealth of natural resources and agricultural products that enable the region to act as a supplier to the rest of the world, Central America and South America enjoyed healthy export activity and overall buoyant economic development.

Marubeni America Corporation is the Group’s largest overseas company with 13 subsidiaries and approximately 3,000 employees. Leveraging its traditional skills as a general trading company in marketing, logistics and finance as well as the Group’s strengths in exporting grain, pulp and other products to Japan and supplying basic resources and materials to high-tech industries, Marubeni America successfully expanded its trading operations in fiscal 2006. Helena Chemical Company, with about 300 sales bases throughout the United States dealing in agrochemicals, fertilizer and seeds, enjoyed increased sales of products for which it holds exclusive manufacturing and marketing rights as well as growth in its scope of operations thanks to vigorous M&A activities, posting record earnings for a third consecutive year. Results at MAC Trailer Leasing LLC, a refrigerated trailer leasing company, also continued to improve year on year, supported by steady domestic U.S. consumption.

Recognizing the enormous potential for expansion boosted by economic growth throughout North America, Marubeni has acquired strategic printing paper distribution, industrial belt sales and equipment leasing, automobile financing and freight railcar leasing operations.

Historically, the Marubeni Group has turned to Central America and South America as global suppliers of natural resources and agricultural products. In 2006, the Group was particularly active in its efforts to expand business in these areas. Marubeni implemented initiatives to bolster grain supplies from Brazil to Asia, participated in afforestation as well as bio-diesel projects and concluded a finance contract to promote crude oil and petroleum product exports from Venezuela.

Acknowledged as the world’s largest consumer market and boasting annual population growth exceeding three million, the United States offers significant business potential. Including M&A activities in particular, Marubeni will emphasize the steady accumulation of prime assets.

Looking ahead, Marubeni will pursue the global development of oil, mineral, agricultural and forest resources while expanding its trading volume through the creation of new businesses in the Americas, Japan, China and the ASEAN region.