This article analyzes the Ehime Prefecture financial and economic outlook published by the Bank of Japan Matsuyama Branch in July 2025.
Ehime Prefecture's economy is picking up as a basic trend, although some areas show weakening movements. Personal consumption is recovering gradually while being affected by price increases, with large retail store sales (department stores, supermarkets, drugstores, etc.) picking up by business type and item, convenience store sales progressing solidly, passenger car sales picking up, accommodation and tourist facility visits progressing solidly, while home appliance sales move within a flat range. Housing investment shows weak movements, while equipment investment increases and public investment continues at high levels. Exports show some weak movements.
Production shows weak movements, with textiles showing weak movements by industry, paper and pulp decreasing, chemicals showing weak movements, plastic products and electrical machinery progressing sluggishly, while non-ferrous metals progress solidly, food products pick up, general-purpose and production machinery move within a flat range, and transportation machinery (shipbuilding) operates at high levels. Employment and income environment is picking up gradually, with consumer prices (excluding fresh food) at around +3% year-on-year.
Corporate bankruptcies exceed the previous year, while financial conditions show both real deposits and loans exceeding the previous year, with loan contract average interest rates rising month-on-month. High shipbuilding operations are characteristic, with Ehime Prefecture's major shipbuilding industry supporting the economy.
The article shows that while Ehime Prefecture's economy is picking up as a basic trend, it faces challenges including weakness in some manufacturing industries such as textiles and chemicals, and sluggish housing investment.