In the Cabinet Office's Economy Watchers Survey last month, which asks working people how they feel about the economy, an index that indicates the current state of the economy deteriorated for the second consecutive month against the backdrop of rising consumer awareness of saving due to rising prices.
This survey asks more than 2,000 working people how they feel about the economy compared to three months ago, and uses it as an index.
The latest survey was conducted from the 25th of last month to the end of the month, and the index showing the current state of the economy was 47.9, down 0.2 points from the previous month and worsening for two consecutive months.
It is said that the background is that consumers are becoming more thrifty due to high prices, and that raw material prices continue to rise, leading to an increase in corporate production costs.
In the survey,
▽ A supermarket in the Chugoku region said, "Although restrictions on movement due to the new coronavirus have been eased and the number of visitors is gradually increasing, customers' consciousness of saving money due to rising prices is persistent."
In addition,
a wood-related manufacturer in the Shikoku region said, "Orders have decreased and material prices have continued to soar."
On the other hand, the index showing the economic outlook two to three months ahead increased by 1.9 points from the previous month to 47.0, improving for the first time in four months.
Based on the results of the survey, the Cabinet Office maintained its basic judgment that "the economy is showing signs of recovery."
As for the outlook, it said, "While there are expectations for a recovery, there are concerns about the impact of price increases."