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The Bank of Japan (BOJ) reports that rising wages are boosting consumption, with more firms in regional areas passing on labor costs. This development signals progress toward meeting conditions for possible interest rate increases.
However, some small and medium-sized businesses struggle to increase wages due to profit constraints, requiring "vigilance," as highlighted in the BOJ's quarterly report on regional economies, released Monday.
This report will inform discussions at the BOJ's next policy meeting on October 30-31, alongside a quarterly growth outlook review. A majority of economists surveyed by Reuters expect the BOJ to raise rates by the end of the year. The BOJ ended its negative interest rate policy in March and raised its short-term rate target to 0.25% in July, aiming to achieve a stable 2% inflation target.
BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has indicated a readiness to raise rates further if sustained wage growth drives consumption and allows firms to continue raising prices not only for goods but also for services. The report suggests that "a growing number of firms" may be pressured to increase pay in upcoming wage negotiations due to labor shortages, although some companies cite low profits as a barrier to salary hikes.
While certain companies struggle to pass on higher labor costs, an increasing number of service sector firms have already done so or are considering it. Core consumer inflation remained above the BOJ’s 2% target for the fourth consecutive month in August, supporting expectations for additional rate hikes.
Japan’s economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.9% in Q2, buoyed by steady wage increases and consumer spending. Nevertheless, weak demand from China casts uncertainty over Japan’s export-driven growth outlook. Governor Ueda has emphasized a cautious approach to rate adjustments, citing the need to assess potential impacts from U.S. economic uncertainties.
