Steak, wine and American broccoli

Article Abstract:

The appreciation of the yen against the dollar in 1993 opened the Japanese market to cheap imported goods which affected the spending patterns of Japanese families. The volume of imports to Japan rose by 36% since 1992, driven in part by the strong yen. Food expenses, which accounted for 18.1% of disposable income of Japanese families in 1992, fell to 16.7% in 1997 with the advent of cheap imports, while living expenses which averaged 77.7% of disposable income in 1992, fell to only 74.9% in 1995. The cheap imports enabled Japanese families to enjoy consumer products which in the past were consumed or purchased only on occasions.

Consumer Behavior, Import Regulations, Social aspects, International trade, Consumer goods industry, Imports

Nation's financial markets talk, and Tokyo listens, finally

Article Abstract:

The market forces has recently become the driving force for Japan to change political and economic moves. Currently, Japan faces its deepest recession in 10 years, its stock market reached unthinkable levels, and the yen is still at eight-year lows. The most evident sign of the rising influence of outside forces in Japan's economy and politics is seen in the race to succeed former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. LDP candidates are prompted to offer economic plans that would cater to foreign investors. All three candidates for the position of prime minister promise permanent tax reduction and fast action on the banking crisis.

Comment:

Japan: The market forces recently become the driving force for the country to change political and economic moves

Japan, Market information - general, Article

APEC leaders endorse reforms at home to ensure trade barrier removal by 2020

Article Abstract:

Government leaders from member countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum expressed their commitment to trade reform in their own countries to facilitate improved trade in the region. Chinese Pres. Jiang Zemin announced his country's plan to reduced tariffs by 30% while Japan pledged 10 billion yen to trade promotion projects.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Reports, Economic policy, Asia, Commercial treaties, Trade agreements, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation