Bridgestone hiking prices

TOKYO (April 30)—Bridgestone Corp. has begun raising tire prices 3-5 percent in Oceania, the Middle East, Africa and Asian markets outside of Japan to cover rising costs of raw materials, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black and some chemical additives. The price increases, which vary by product and by market, cover Bridgestone- and Firestone-brand radial and bias passenger, light truck, truck and bus tires, the company said. Bridgestone has been implementing the price hikes in stages since March 1.