Shimano defies global challenges to post 18.5% increase in tackle sales

Despite the well-chronicled global challenges affecting businesses, strong sales across four of its five major markets saw Shimano’s fishing division post a near 20% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2026.

The Japanese tackle giant reported revenue up18.5% to 30,175 million yen compared to the previous comparable quarter. Operating income also saw a healthy uplift – up 58.6% to 2,596m.

Shimano told investors that the world economy generally maintained a solid growth trajectory, however it added: “Views on the economic outlook continue to be cautious against a backdrop of regional disparities in business sentiment, trends in trade policies and rising energy prices caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“Interest in fishing tackle remained firm overall and market inventories maintained appropriate levels.”

Reporting ongoing robust demand for high-priced products – mainly in the Chinese market – Asian sales were strong as were those in Europe, where inventories remained at an appropriate level, and Australia.

Shimano said that the US market – previously boasting a strong economy – came to a standstill amid lacklustre consumer spending as a result of tariffs and despite signs of a recovery in the employment market. However, this backdrop failed to deter anglers in a market where demand for product was firm and sales ‘strong’.

In its domestic market  sales were described as lacklustre amid a slump in consumer spending because of rising prices.

Shimano hailed the reception of the new ZODIAS bass rod and orders taken for its STELLA SW and STRADIC spinning reels.

Despite its robust performance in the fishing sector, sales from its larger bicycle components division fell 0.7% to 87,361m and operating income was down 46.3% to 7,792m. Overall Shimano reported a 3.6% increase in total revenue of 117,644m compared to 12.9% (113,539m) in 2025. Operating income was down 35.6% to 10,400m in the period from January 1 to March 31.