BOJ: many regions report firms keeping strong capex plans, rise in chip equipment and orders on expanding global AI demand

Chip Equipment And Chip Orders Increasing On Global AI Demand Firms, Including Smaller Ones, Offered Strong Wage Increases This Year, Though Some Said Further Pay Rises Could Become Difficult Firms Continued To Pass On Higher Labour And Distribution Costs Through Price Hikes Pass-Through Of Higher Raw Material Costs Linked To Middle East Conflict Proceeding Faster Than In The Past Firms Considering Food And Daily Necessity Price Rises From Summer Onwards