Core Viewpoint - Japan's consumer price index (excluding fresh food) rose by 3.5% year-on-year in April, with rice prices surging by 98.4%, marking the highest increase since 1971, prompting speculation about potential interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan [1][3]. Economic Data - The consumer price index (CPI) for April was reported at 110.9, up from 3.2% in March to 3.5% [3]. - Rice prices have increased significantly, with a 10 kg bag rising from 2000 yen to over 4000 yen, averaging 4268 yen (approximately 214 RMB) as of May 11 [1][3]. Government Response - The Japanese government initially took a wait-and-see approach to rising rice prices but began releasing reserve rice in March, which has not effectively curbed price increases [3]. - Former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Takumi Eto, resigned amid criticism over his handling of the rice price crisis [4][5]. International Relations - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed U.S. tariff measures with President Trump, agreeing to meet during the G7 summit in June [1][7]. - Japan is considering increasing rice imports from the U.S. as a bargaining chip in tariff negotiations, facing opposition from domestic farmers [8][9].

Energy - Trump claims that an agreement with Iran is very close, with Iran largely agreeing to the terms, leading to an expansion in the day's oil price decline [1] - OPEC members agreed to increase production by only 25,000 barrels per day in April, while the planned increase was 138,000 barrels per day [1] - Russia is in discussions with Egypt regarding a liquefied natural gas terminal project [1] - OPEC's monthly report maintains the global crude oil demand growth forecast at 1.3 million barrels per day for 2025 and 1.28 million barrels per day for 2026, while lowering the supply growth expectations for non-OPEC+ countries [1] - The Russian government is considering extending gasoline export restrictions for two more months until the end of October [1] - Russia is negotiating with Malaysia to increase oil supply [1] - Kazakhstan's oil production in April decreased by 3% compared to March, totaling 1.82 million barrels per day, still above the OPEC+ quota [1] - Citigroup slightly raised its three-month Brent crude oil price target to $60, while maintaining average price expectations of $62 and $63 for the second and third quarters, respectively [1] - An Iranian senior official stated readiness to sign a nuclear agreement with the Trump administration under certain conditions, including the abandonment of high-enriched uranium [1] - Qatar set the July al-shaheen crude oil price at $1.63 per barrel above the Dubai quote [1] Precious Metals and Mining - Insider reports indicate that the UK is considering a new investor visa for key strategic industries [2] - Spot gold experienced a significant drop of $70, nearing $3,120, and is currently reported at $3,142 per ounce [2] - JPMorgan forecasts that the average prices for copper and aluminum will reach $9,225 and $2,325 per ton, respectively, in the second half of the year [2] Agriculture - Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga stated that measures will be taken to ensure rice supply to retailers to stabilize rising rice prices [2] - Japan is seeking to hold a third round of US-Japan trade negotiations next week, considering a package that includes increasing imports of US corn and soybeans, shipbuilding technology cooperation, and modifying import car inspection standards [2]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. has officially implemented a 25% tariff on key automotive parts as of May 3, following two rounds of negotiations with Japan, which has expressed strong concerns and demands for the removal of these tariffs [1][13]. Group 1: Negotiation Dynamics - Japan was the first country to initiate face-to-face tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, demonstrating a proactive approach [1]. - Despite claims of "significant progress" from the White House, Japan's response has been one of resistance, with no agreements reached in the first round of talks [5][3]. - Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister, Akira Amari, emphasized that Japan would not make major concessions in the negotiations and is not in a hurry to reach an agreement [1][8]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The automotive sector is critical for Japan, with exports to the U.S. accounting for nearly one-third of its total exports, making the 25% tariff particularly damaging [6]. - Japan's Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has raised concerns about the inconsistency of the current tariffs with a previous trade agreement made in 2019, where the U.S. had indicated no higher tariffs would be imposed [7]. Group 3: Future Negotiation Topics - The second round of negotiations is expected to address sensitive topics, including currency exchange rates, which have historically been contentious between the U.S. and Japan [10]. - Japan has made it clear that it will not yield on the issue of currency exchange rates, indicating a firm stance in upcoming discussions [10]. Group 4: Public Sentiment and Media Response - Japanese media has been critical of the U.S. stance, with outlets like Nikkei Asia using terms like "boasting" to describe Trump's claims of progress in negotiations, reflecting a growing discontent [2][4]. - The shift in public sentiment in Japan indicates a reevaluation of its relationship with the U.S., as traditional allies begin to reassess their positions in light of current trade dynamics [17][18].