Japanese Firms Seek New Yen Hedges as 43-Store Importer Faces Rising Costs
Updated
Updated · The Japan Times · Aug 25
Japanese Firms Seek New Yen Hedges as 43-Store Importer Faces Rising Costs
1 articles · Updated · The Japan Times · Aug 25
Summary
Japanese companies are stepping up efforts to hedge against further yen declines as import bills rise almost daily, with supermarket operator Takara MC among firms seeking fresh protection.
Takara MC chief Taku Ueno said the weaker currency has made U.S. beef, Spanish olive oil and Italian tomatoes more expensive for his 43 supermarkets south of Tokyo.
The pressure has persisted despite Japan's currency interventions in 2022, 2024 and 2026, and even after rare joint U.S.-Japan yen-buying operations in July and August.
That failure to stabilize the currency is pushing import-reliant businesses beyond short-term frustration toward broader financial defenses against prolonged yen weakness.