Research Briefing | Nov 21, 2022

Why we forecast Japan’s resilient growth in 2023

Japan: Why we forecast resilient growth in 2023

We expect the Japanese economy to grow at 0.9% y/y in 2023, after 1.6% growth in 2022. Four reasons why we project the relatively resilient growth compared to other advanced economies: pent-up demand, the key auto industry recovery, supportive policy, and a strong base effect.

What you will learn:

  • Firstly, economic reopening has lagged behind the US and Europe, implying that some of the emerging pent-up demand will carry over to early 2023. 
  • Secondly, Japan’s key auto industry looks poised for recovery, as supply chain disruptions finally subside. Easing supply constraints will encourage auto makers to enhance production to fulfil existing backlogs.
  • Thirdly, both monetary and fiscal policy will remain supportive. We expect interest rates and financial conditions to stay extremely accommodative.
  • Lastly, and technically, the strong base effect from a robust recovery in H2 2022 is also contributing to push up average GDP growth for 2023, which appears superficially stronger than q/q growth momentum.
Tags: Asia PacificAsian EconomyEconomic outlookEconomic recoveryJapan
Back to Resource Hub

Related Resouces

Takaichi’s big win doesn’t affect the fiscal outlook for Japan

Takaichi’s big win doesn’t affect the fiscal outlook for Japan

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) landslide election victory on Sunday doesn't change our expectation of a primary fiscal deficit of 2%-3% of GDP in FY2026-FY2028 – we still see the deficit only starting to decline from FY2029. We also keep our view that the 10-year Japanese government bond (JGB) yield will be at 2.3% at end-2026 and 2.5% at end-2027 and beyond.
BoJ will need to do more because of fiscal expansion

BoJ will need to do more because of fiscal expansion

In our upcoming February forecast update, we'll stick to our expectation of a primary fiscal deficit of 2%-3% of GDP in FY2026 and FY2027, but now think it will remain at that level in FY2028, only starting to gradually decline in FY2029 and beyond.
Japan faces further BoJ rate hikes—but how much?

Japan faces further BoJ rate hikes—but how much?

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept its policy rate at 0.75% at its January meeting. Although our current baseline expects a final rate hike to 1% in mid-2026, the bank could move earlier if the yen weakens further.