Japan considers using foreign exchange reserve surplus to fund food sales tax cuts
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama says Japan may use its foreign reserve surplus to fund food tax cuts. Past transfers have supported the general budget.
Japan 
JP’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated on February 10, 2026, that the surplus from the $1.4 trillion foreign currency reserves (Japan) could be considered as a funding source for planned food sales tax cuts. The proposal, which is currently under discussion by the Japanese government, suggests a potential shift in fiscal policy to address revenue shortfalls through the utilization of the nation’s substantial reserve holdings.
JP’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated on February 10, 2026, that the surplus from the $1.4 trillion foreign currency reserves (Japan) could be considered as a funding source for planned food sales tax cuts. The proposal, which is currently under discussion by the Japanese government, suggests a potential shift in fiscal policy to address revenue shortfalls through the utilization of the nation’s substantial reserve holdings.
