Overview

• Sumitomo Corp projects record net profits of 570 billion yen for the current fiscal year, setting aside a 40 billion yen buffer to mitigate potential tariff impacts.
• Mitsui & Co anticipates a 15% profit decline to 770 billion yen, citing challenges in machinery and infrastructure sectors due to global supply chain disruptions.
• Sojitz expects a modest 4% profit increase to 115 billion yen, factoring in a 5 billion yen negative impact from U.S. tariffs on North American auto sales.
• The Bank of Japan has reduced its economic growth forecast for the year ending March 2026 to 0.5% from 1.1%, maintaining interest rates as export pressures mount.
• Japan's lead trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is in Washington to engage with the Trump administration on tariff relief discussions.