Consumer sentiment before tax increase worsened for 12 consecutive months October 2 15:53

Last month's “Consumer Attitude Index,” which shows consumers' willingness to shop, fell below the previous month for 12 consecutive months. It can be seen that the increase in the consumption tax rate has reduced consumer confidence.

The Cabinet Office will ask 8400 households nationwide about their future lifestyle and willingness to shop, and publish the results as a consumer attitude index.

The index of last month for two or more households was 35.6, falling 1.5 points from the previous month, worsening for 12 consecutive months.

In addition, the index level was the lowest in a comparable survey since April 2013.

In particular, the index showing the willingness to buy durable consumer goods such as automobiles and home appliances is 3.6 points below the previous month, indicating that the increase in the consumption tax rate has reduced consumer confidence.

The Cabinet Office has shown the basic judgment that consumer sentiment is “weakening”, and the extent to which the deterioration of the index continues will be noted when looking at future consumption trends.