AI Data Insight
According to DataTrack data, Japan's Import Price Index for May 2026 (Q2) jumped to 196.6, a significant increase from the previous value of 193.2, continuing to set historical records. This surge in data is mainly driven by the historically weak yen and soaring energy prices triggered by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. Facing severe imported inflation and corporate cost pressures, the market strongly expects that the Bank of Japan will be forced to accelerate its pace of interest rate hikes to stabilize prices.