Japan Govt Keeps Basic Economic View Unchanged in Dec.

Tokyo, Dec. 19 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government kept its basic view on the domestic economy unchanged for a fourth consecutive month on Friday. “The Japanese economy is recovering at a moderate pace, while the effects caused from the U.S. trade policies are seen mainly in the automotive industry,” the Cabinet Office said in its monthly report for December. On short-term prospects, the report said that the impacts of U.S. tariffs and continued price increases pose downside risks to the Japanese economy. While exports to the United States have been recovering in volume, vehicle export prices remain low, putting pressure on the earnings of Japanese automakers, the report said. “Private consumption shows movement of picking up,” the report said, leaving its assessment untouched. “Business investment is picking up moderately,” the report said, keeping its view intact. “Exports are almost flat,” the report said, leaving its view unchanged. The government lowered its assessment on public investment, saying it remains steady. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]