Overview

• Governor Kazuo Ueda affirmed the Bank of Japan's commitment to analyzing the impact of US tariffs on Japan's economy as part of its monetary policy strategy.
• The BOJ is maintaining its current 0.5% interest rate following its exit from a radical stimulus program last year and a January rate hike.
• Ueda cited rising uncertainties in domestic and global markets driven by US auto and reciprocal tariffs, complicating Japan's economic outlook.
• The central bank aims to achieve a sustainable 2% inflation target while avoiding abrupt rate hikes in the future by gradually normalizing policy.
• The next policy review meeting, scheduled for April 30-May 1, will include updated economic forecasts and a reassessment of monetary guidelines.