[BNP Paribas: Japan Expected to Continue Facing Inflationary Pressures] According to a report by Jinse Finance on June 26, economists at BNP Paribas stated that Japan is expected to continue facing inflationary pressures, with import prices likely to remain above pre-Middle East crisis levels. They noted that although tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have eased, Japan's shift to purchasing more expensive U.S. crude oil, a significant rise in insurance costs, and a weaker yen will continue to drive up import costs. They added that, driven by the artificial intelligence investment boom and a strong stock market, domestic demand in Japan is expected to remain robust. They stated: 'With the improvement in the Middle East situation and the gradual fading of geopolitical uncertainties, Japan's total demand in the second half of the year may remain strong.'