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IMF Warns Japan: Don’t Cut Consumption Tax Amid Debt

2/21/2026

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Story summary
  • The International Monetary Fund advised Japan not to cut its consumption tax and warned such a move could worsen fiscal risks amid higher borrowing costs.
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to debate suspending the food sales tax, but the IMF cautions against loosening fiscal policy as debt servicing doubles by 2031.
  • The IMF forecasts the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates twice this year and once in 2027.