While the headline GDP data provides some relief to policymakers seeking to balance economic growth with sustainable inflation, it masks underlying weakness in the household sector. Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics, said the export-driven momentum in growth is unlikely to be sustained. Exports expanded 3.2% in the second quarter led by car exports and inbound tourism, while capital expenditure was flat. Strong US and European demand has also supported exports while the post-COVID boom in foreign tourists has given the economy a much-needed tailwind. That boost in external demand, or net exports, added 1.8 percentage points to second quarter growth.

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Persons: Marcel Thieliant, ” Thieliant, ”, Takumi Tsunoda, Shigeyuki Goto, ” Goto Organizations: Tokyo Reuters, Capital Economics, Private, Shinkin Central Bank Research Institute, The Bank of Japan Locations: Tokyo, Asia, China