Japan PPI Jumps 4.9% in April

Japan's producer price index rose 4.9% YoY in April 2026, the fastest increase since May 2023, beating a 3.0% forecast.
Monthly PPI climbed 2.3% in April, outpacing the 0.7% estimate and up from a 1% rise in March.
Surge driven by higher oil and chemical prices, Middle East shipping disruptions linked to the Iran war, and a weaker yen raising import costs.
The jump may lift April consumer inflation and could prompt the Bank of Japan to raise rates, with a hike expected in June.