"More from Japan fin min Aso" ... like he ever stops ...

  • Improvements in economy are making it more feasible to raise consumption tax

Japan raised its sales tax rate in 2014 (5% to 8% ... from memory), the first phase ... the country planned to raise its sales tax again (from 8% to 10%) in October 2015, but it delayed until April 2017 ... and then delayed again to late 2019

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Earlier from Japan:

  • Japan - Trade balance for March: Y 614.7bn (expected Y 608.0bn)
  • Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso remarks crossing
  • Reuters Tankan: Manufacturing index 26 in April (25 prior)