TOKYO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI) rose 4 percent year-on-year in February, slowing slightly from January's 4.2-percent rise, preliminary data by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) showed on Wednesday.
The index measuring producer prices, based on 2020 as the base year (100), reached 125.3 as the surge in agricultural products, including rice, has spread to food items such as sushi and bento, contributing to the ongoing high corporate price growth.
The CGPI reflects price trends for goods traded between companies and influences both the Corporate Services Price Index and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Agricultural, forestry, and fishery products saw a significant rise of 39.4 percent, an increase from January's 37.6-percent reading. The prolonged surge in rice prices has impacted food items, with a 2.6-percent rise in prices of restaurant goods.
Non-ferrous metals also saw an increase of 13.6 percent, though the growth rate slowed from January's 14.3 percent. Prices remain high, driven in part by concerns over U.S. trade policies, leading to increased demand for aluminum and a rise in prices.
There are also growing worries about the global economic downturn and supply chain disruptions due to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies, the BOJ noted. ■
