Finance
Berkshire raises stakes in five Japanese trading houses to near 10%
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 17, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Berkshire Hathaway has increased its stakes in five major Japanese trading houses, nearing a 10% stake in each, as part of its strategic investments.
Berkshire Increases Stakes in Japanese Trading Houses to 10%
By Kantaro Komiya
TOKYO (Reuters) -Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway raised its holdings in five Japanese trading houses, regulatory filings showed on Monday, in the U.S. conglomerate's latest investments in Japan's top commodity firms that began nearly five years ago.
Berkshire's stake in Mitsui & Co rose to 9.82% from 8.09%, while its holdings in Mitsubishi Corp, Sumitomo Corp, Itochu and Marubeni also rose by some percentage points, according to documents filed to Japan's securities watchdog by its unit, National Indemnity Company.
The filings followed Buffett's annual letter to Berkshire shareholders last month, where he said the five trading houses agreed to "moderately relax" limits that capped Berkshire's ownership stakes below 10%.
"Over time, you will likely see Berkshire's ownership of all five increase somewhat," Buffett had written.
Known as "sogo shosha", the trading houses deal in a variety of materials, products and food - often serving as intermediaries - and provide logistical support. They are also involved in the shipping, energy and metals businesses.
(Reporting by Tokyo Newsroom; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Key Takeaways
- •Berkshire Hathaway raises stakes in five Japanese trading houses.
- •Mitsui & Co stake increased to 9.82% from 8.09%.
- •Investments align with Buffett's strategy in commodity firms.
- •Trading houses involved in materials, energy, and logistics.
- •Berkshire's ownership may continue to rise over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Berkshire raises stakes in five Japanese trading houses to near 10%
1What is the main topic?
The article discusses Berkshire Hathaway's increased investments in five Japanese trading houses, nearing a 10% stake in each.
2Why is Berkshire investing in Japanese trading houses?
Berkshire is investing in these firms as part of its strategy to expand in top commodity firms, which aligns with its long-term investment goals.
3What are the Japanese trading houses involved?
The trading houses include Mitsui & Co, Mitsubishi Corp, Sumitomo Corp, Itochu, and Marubeni.
