A economia japonesa diminuiu 0,7% no primeiro trimestre, segundo dados oficiais divulgados na sexta-feira. A disputa comercial de Donald Trump afetou as exportações e diminuiu a confiança dos consumidores.

According to initial government data, Japan's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which measures the country's goods and services, shrank by 0.2% between January and March. This decrease, larger than anticipated, marks the first contraction in a year compared to the previous quarter.

As exportações diminuíram 2.3% em comparação com o ano anterior. Os gastos dos consumidores mantiveram-se estáveis, mas o investimento de capital aumentou 5.8%.

Espera-se que as tarifas de Trump afetem negativamente as grandes empresas exportadoras japonesas, principalmente as montadoras de veículos, tanto as exportações diretas do Japão quanto as de outros países, como México e Canadá. Autoridades admitem que é difícil criar uma estratégia de resposta, pois Trump muda de opinião constantemente.

According to a report by S&P Global Ratings, local car producers are dealing with higher running costs and possible income drops because their sales in the US rely on varied production sites and supply networks.

The report also noted that even companies with small sales in the US could be significantly affected indirectly, as tariffs impact the global economy and consumer demand.

A economia japonesa tem enfrentado desafios por anos, devido à baixa procura interna, causada pelo envelhecimento e diminuição da população, com um número crescente de pessoas que permanecem solteiras e têm menos filhos.

The Bank of Japan, which kept interest rates near zero for a long time, has been slowly increasing them, noting that wages are stable and prices are rising steadily.

Recent findings, highlighting the economy's vulnerability, make it more likely that the central bank will postpone further interest rate hikes.

Some experts suggest cutting the 10% consumption tax, like a sales tax in other countries, to ease the financial struggles people are facing.

However, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has yet to announce his support for the proposal. Japan's national finances are under significant strain due to rising social welfare costs.

No último trimestre de 2024, a economia apresentou um crescimento de 2.4% em comparação com o ano anterior.