Japan exceeds anticipations on strong exports, GDP increased

August 17, 2023: On Tuesday, Japan exceeds anticipations on strong exports, GDP increased.

Economists surveyed had expected the world’s third-largest economy to post 3.1% increase in the April-June quarter. The impressive gross domestic product data translated to a more modest quarterly expansion of 1.5%, topping expectations for 0.8% growth.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index extended earnings narrowly to trade up nearly 1%. At the same time, the Japanese yen pared losses against the U.S. dollar, and Japanese state bonds across the various tenures were broadly unchanged.

Tuesday’s GDP print followed an annualized 2.7% growth in the first quarter, pointing to a continued post-Covid recovery for Japan’s economy. Still, the narrower gap between reality and expectation in every quarter growth tempers any longer-term optimism.

“Japan’s economy expanded at an extremely rapid pace last quarter, but we expect a renewed slowdown across the second half of the year,” Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics, wrote in a note.

“However, the report’s details weren’t as impressive as the headline,” he added. “Instead, nearly all the output growth was driven by a 1.8%-pts boost from net trade. That marked the second-largest contribution from net trade in the 28-year history of the current GDP series, with only the bounce back in exports from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic providing a larger boost.”

Exports rebounded 3.2% from the previous quarter, primarily driven by the car shipment spike, while imports plunged 4.3%.

Other details beyond the rosy headline GDP growth figure suggest the Bank of Japan is likely to revert from its ultra-easy monetary posture.

A surprise 0.5% annualized drop in private consumption expenditure and flat capital expenditure point to muted domestic demand despite the first employee compensation sequential increase in seven quarters.

Inflation has surpassed the BOJ’s 2% target for 15 consecutive months. In July, the Japanese central bank loosened its yield curve control over the 10-year Japanese government bond, intending to make its ultra-easy monetary position more sustainable.

Editor's Choice

Posts You Might Like

A Resilient & Innovative Leader | Maushum Basu

Maushum Basu is a visionary leader who inspires his team with a clear, compelling purpose. Unafraid to take calculated risks, he understands that growth often stems from change and innovation. His deep commitment to both Airia Brands, Inc.

Directing with Courage & Precision | Martin Paquette

When speaking with Martin Paquette, one thing is immediately apparent: he’s honest. His transparency is refreshing. While many shy away from such vulnerability, Paquette sees it as a force to reckon with. The incredible emotional intelligence speaks to years of looking within—it’s also what allows him to acknowledge his mistakes gracefully and use them as opportunities to innovate.

An Innovative Thinker | Marina Charriere

Marina Charriere, CEO of Star Drug Testing Services, Star Drug Testing Services (Windsor Park), and First Defence Face Masks go hand in hand. Star is a drug and alcohol testing facility, and First D F M is a face mask company.

A Pioneer of Food Technology | Lejjy Gafour

Lejjy Gafour, CEO, CULT Food Science Corp. Lejjy is a self-taught entrepreneur and experienced company operator who made his start creating opportunities at the young age of 14, and he has been working, leading, and building businesses ever since.

The-corporate-magazine-15

Leave us a message

Subscribe

Fill the form our team will contact you

Advertise with us

Fill the form our team will contact you​