Japan’s wholesale inflation quickened in August as food costs continued to climb, underscoring persistent price pressures that could keep expectations of another Bank of Japan rate hike alive.
Japan August PPI +2.7% y/y (expected +2.7%)food and beverage prices gained 5.0%, up from 4.7% the previous monthelectricity and gas bills dropped 2.9% thanks to subsidiesimport prices fell 3.9%, easing at a slower pace than July’s 10.3% drop
Reuters adds:
Daiwa Securities economist Yutaro Suzuki said wholesale inflation is likely to stay above 2% in the near term due to elevated food and farm costs, though stronger yen moves could gradually moderate pressures.
The BOJ, which ended its decade-long stimulus last year and raised rates to 0.5% in January, meets again on Sept. 18–19. While core consumer inflation has exceeded its 2% target for more than three years, Governor Kazuo Ueda has stressed caution amid risks from U.S. tariffs. The bank’s July outlook predicted food price gains would slow, with wage growth supporting consumption and the wider economy.
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Sticky wholesale inflation keeps yen traders alert for BOJ hawkish signals at the Sept. 18–19 meeting.