With regard to prices, import prices continue to decline mainly reflecting the softening of international commodity prices. Domestic wholesale prices are also declining faster from the effects of the decline in crude oil prices in addition to the continuous decreases in prices of electrical machinery and materials. Consumer prices are weakening owing mainly to the decline in prices of imported products and their substitutes.
Corporate service prices continue to decrease. As for the conditions surrounding price developments, international commodity prices such as of crude oil and nonferrous metals remain weak. Also, with the prolonged adjustments in economic activity, the balance between supply and demand in the domestic market will increasingly exert downward pressure on prices.