Business

Summary: Japan has slipped to fourth place in the 2024 Asia Power Index by the Lowy Institute, overtaken by India. The main reasons for this decline are the long-term stagnation of the economy, particularly in "economic capacity" and "economic relations," leading to foreign investment withdrawal and decreased productivity in the technology sector.

Summary: Japan's aging is increasing, the elderly population is at a record high, the government has taken a number of measures to deal with the situation, including boosting the fertility rate, relaxing the immigration policy to introduce foreign labor, in order to alleviate the shortage of labor, and to promote the sustainable development of the economy.

Summary: The depreciation of the Japanese yen and the surge in tourists have pushed up duty-free sales of Japanese department stores to a historic high. Sales of various products have increased. The global tourism industry's recovery has boosted the tax-free sales boom, which is expected to continue to prosper, and the depreciation of the yen is also beneficial for export enterprises.

Summary: Large Japanese companies express concern over yen depreciation and inflation, predicting that economic growth in 2025 may fall short of last year's expectations. Public attention is on consumption, capital, and tourism growth, with concerns over declining demand and currency devaluation. Many companies are staying domestic, while favoring the North American and Southeast Asian markets.

Summary: Progress has been made toward Japan's 2% inflation target amidst a tightening labor market. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) noted that wage and price increases may exceed expectations, with more companies raising prices in April. The key focus is on the changes in October. Inflation is expected to stabilize at around 2% in the coming years.

Summary：Australia's finances are improving, on track for a high budget surplus, but may turn to deficit in the future. The central bank meeting is approaching, the market predicts a rate hike, but economists expect interest rates to remain unchanged. Australia and the U.S. monetary policy is different, the U.S. may first cut interest rates to deal with inflation.

Summary: Australia's surge in immigration has led to a tight rental market and record high rents. As net migration rises to 548,800 by September 2023, average rents across the country reach A$627, with some regions seeing increases of more than 10%.

Summary：Faced with the US and EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Japan did not follow up immediately, but instead considered carefully to avoid damaging Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations. The G7 emphasized that it would not harm China's interests, but would protect companies from unfair competition.

Summary: In April, Japan's exports grew by 8.3%, the fifth consecutive month of positive growth, while imports grew by the same 8.3%. The trade deficit rose to 462.5 billion yen. Exports to China hit a record high, with semiconductor equipment exports surging 95.4%.