Japan’s Economic Outlook for Fiscal Years 2024-2026 (February 2025)

2025年02月21日

（斎藤 太郎） 日本経済

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■Summary
 
<Real GDP Growth Rate Forecast: 0.8% for FY 2024, 1.1% for FY 2025, and 1.2% for FY 2026>
 
  1. In the October–December quarter of 2024, real GDP grew by 0.7% from the previous quarter (equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.8%), marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion. However, this growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in external demand due to a decline in imports, while domestic demand contracted for the first time in three quarters. As a result, the underlying economic conditions are weaker than the headline growth rate suggests.
     
  2. Looking ahead, an increase in real disposable income, largely supported by rising employee compensation, is expected to bolster consumption. Meanwhile, capital investment is anticipated to continue its recovery, underpinned by strong corporate earnings.
     
  3. The real GDP growth rate is projected to be 0.8% in FY 2024, 1.1% in FY 2025, and 1.2% in FY 2026. While exports are unlikely to be a driving force in the near term, domestic demand is expected to remain resilient, sustaining the recovery. However, downside risks include a sharp slowdown in the global economy triggered by U.S. tariff hikes and a potential decline in consumption due to stagnating real incomes amid rising prices.
     
  4. The consumer price index (excluding fresh food) is expected to rise by 2.7% in FY 2024, 2.4% in FY 2025, and 1.7% in FY 2026. Inflation is projected to remain around 3% in the first half of 2025, driven primarily by higher energy and food prices, before gradually easing. However, it is likely to stay within the 2% range throughout 2025. A stronger yen is expected to reduce goods price inflation, offsetting the rise in service prices and ultimately bringing inflation below the Bank of Japan's 2% target in early 2026.

 
■Index

1．Positive Growth of 2.8% on an Annualized Basis in the October–December Quarter of 2024
　　・Exports Are Unlikely Drive Economic Growth
　　・Bonuses Significantly Boost Wages
　　・Spring Wage Increase Rate in 2025 Expected to Stay in the 5% Range for the 　　　Second Consecutive Year
2．Real GDP Growth Rate Forecast at 0.8% for FY 2024, 1.1% for FY 2025, and 1.2% for FY 2026
　　・Steady Growth Around 1% Expected to Continue
　　・Real Disposable Income on the Path to Recovery
　　・Capital Investment Continues to Recover Gradually
　　・Outlook for Prices

【次ページ】Positive Growth of 2.8% on an Annualized Basis in the October–December Quarter of 2024

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経済研究部   経済調査部長

斎藤 太郎（さいとう たろう）

研究領域：経済

研究・専門分野
日本経済、雇用

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経歴 ＋ －

・ 1992年：日本生命保険相互会社
・ 1996年：ニッセイ基礎研究所へ
・ 2019年8月より現職

・ 2010年　拓殖大学非常勤講師（日本経済論）
・ 2012年～　神奈川大学非常勤講師（日本経済論）
・ 2018年～　統計委員会専門委員

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