Japan's wholesale prices jumped 7.1 percent year on year in June, marking the sharpest rise in more than three years, the Bank of Japan said Friday.
The increase in goods prices traded between companies accelerated from a revised 6.6 percent gain in May, the fastest since March 2023, underscoring mounting inflationary pressure in the resource-poor country, which relies heavily on imports of oil and other petroleum products from the Middle East.
Nonferrous metals, petroleum and coal products were among the categories posting the largest year-on-year price hikes.
The data came as the Bank of Japan weighs the appropriate timing to raise its key policy interest rate further to sustainably achieve its 2 percent inflation target, after lifting the rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent in June.
Meanwhile, import prices soared 29.7 percent from a year earlier, while export prices rose 20.7 percent.
Japan's wholesale prices log fastest rise in over 3 yrs, up 7.1 pct in June
Shanghai on Friday launched its celebrations for China's National Maritime Day 2026 with a variety of public events to promote maritime culture and highlight Shanghai's rising status as a leading international shipping hub.
China celebrated its 22nd National Maritime Day on Saturday, which also marks the country's observance of World Maritime Day.
The public events in Shanghai include ship open houses, cultural and creative fairs, and special postal exhibitions, bringing maritime culture closer to communities across the city.
Relevant shipping indices showed Shanghai has risen to second place among 43 cities in global shipping competitiveness, underscoring its growing role as a leading international maritime center.
As part of the celebrations, three vessels, including the maritime patrol ship Haixun 01 and the pilot vessel Hugangyin 6, docked at the Shanghai Port international cruise terminal and opened to the public.
The open-house event attracted large numbers of visitors, who boarded the vessels to observe maritime patrol operations, port pilotage services, and sightseeing cruises up close.
Visitors also learned about navigation technologies and gained firsthand insight into the daily lives of seafarers.
"I am here because I wanted to see China's own ships. It was my first time learning that a vessel can be equipped with small devices on both sides to help maintain its balance. I found it quite impressive," said Wu Xiaoting, a visitor.
Activities launched in Shanghai to mark National Maritime Day
