- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will not reduce the consumption tax rate despite inflation and U.S. tariffs.
- This decision comes before a national election, despite calls for relief from opposition and some ruling party lawmakers.
- Ishiba has informed senior government officials of his decision, concerned about fiscal constraints from a tax cut.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the importance of the consumption tax for Japan’s revenue.
- The current tax rate is 8 percent for food and beverages and 10 percent for other items.
- Hayashi stated that reducing the tax rate would not be appropriate.
Source: english.kyodonews.net
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