Mizuho Economic Outlook & Analysis The 18th Questionnaire Survey of Japanese Corporate Enterprises Regarding Business in Asia (February 18) - Japanese Firms Reevaluate China as a Destination for Business Expansion - May 2, 18 (Questionnaires were sent to 4,411 member companies of Mizuho Research Institute that are manufacturers with capital of at least JPY million, and 1,52 valid responses were collected.) Copyright Mizuho Research Institute Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Overview Earnings satisfaction rates improved significantly across Asia on the back of the recovery of the global and Chinese economies. The index also improved for most industries in China. Many firms are looking toward ASEAN as a foremost region for future business expansion; but the response rate for ASEAN declined while rising for China. Companies are reevaluating market growth in China. Among ASEAN countries, Vietnam enjoys growing expectations, owing to its favorable investment environment and participation in the TPP talks. Investment appetite in Asia remains flat. Amid rising manufacturing costs, manufacturers feel the need to streamline their production lines and enhance their supply chains, though they prioritize ramping up production and increasing staff rather than maintaining the status quo. Major business concerns in Asia include the risks of trade conflicts, exchange fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions caused by pressure from the U.S. Trump administration to correct the trade imbalance and the North Korean situation. Proposals based on the survey results include (1) providing Asian countries with greater assistance to stimulate internal demand, such as urban infrastructure; (2) promoting the TPP and RCEP; and (3) taking advantage of improving Japan-China relations to promote business opportunities. 1
1. Earnings satisfaction markedly improved across Asia amid the global economic recovery; the DI rose for most industries in China The earnings satisfaction DI improved significantly across Asia, and the global economic recovery pushed up the rate particularly in China, NIEs and ASEAN. China s real GDP rose 6.9% in 17 from the previous year (government target around +6.5%). The rate increased for most industries in China. "Satisfied" + "Slightly Satisfied" Earnings Perceptions "Dissatisfied" + "Slightly Dissatisfied" [ The earnings satisfaction DI of Japanese companies by local business base ] (% pts) 3 - - -3-4 -5-6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 NIEs China ASEAN India [ The earnings satisfaction DI by industry for business bases in China of Japanese companies ] (Unit: % pts) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Textiles 23.1-28.6-25. -57.1-53.3. 63.6 Transportation equipment Nonferrous metals General machinery 13.4-23.1. 3.7-44.4 21.4 4. -83.3-66.7. -66.7 -. -. 33.4 1.9-19.1-6.9 5.6 16.4 6.4 31.6 Chemicals -17.4-4.4 8.7 5.5.1 19.1 23. Foods and beverages Precision machinery Electrical machinery -43.8-47. -43. -7.6-14.3-3.7 18.2 57.2-11.1-14.3 42.8.. 16.7-42.9-4.7-36.1-26.4-41.6-31.8 9.1 Iron and steel 33.3-5. 4.. -42.8.. Processed metals. -3.8-12. -23.5-7.4-17.4-16.7 Note: The earnings satisfaction DI = ( Satisfied + Slightly Satisfied ) - ( Dissatisfied + Slightly Dissatisfied ) Source: Mizuho Research Institute (MHRI), Survey Regarding Business in Asia Note: Sectors with positive DIs are shaded. 2
Reference. Inventories declined in general Inventories notably declined in NIEs and also in India. Inventories increased in ASEAN and remained flat at a relatively low level in China. [ The inventory DIs of Japanese companies by local business base ] (% pts) 25 "Excessive" 15 Inventory perceptions 5 ASEAN China India NIEs -5 - "Insufficient" -15 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Note: Inventory DI = Excessive - Insufficient 3
2. Eyes are on ASEAN for future business expansion; but the response rate for ASEAN declined while rising for China against the backdrop of economic recovery There was no change in order with ASEAN on top, followed by China and NIEs; but the response rate for ASEAN dropped while rising for China. The trend of local market expansion and ease of parts and material procurement constitute the greater part of China s appeal. [ Geographic areas prioritized by Japanese companies for the greatest future focus ] [ Most important factors for future decisions (China) ] 6 5 4 3 Financial Crisis Tension in Japan-China relations 51.1 48.7 47.5 44.7 45.1 43.8 41.5 42.1 37.7 38. 35.5 37.2 36.7 32. 29.7 3.5 3.1 27.6 23.9 23.3 23.1 21.5 21.8 22.4 22.1 19.8 18.2 17.1 11.2 11.9 ASEAN 4.8 China 31.5 NIEs.9 U.S. 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 India Europe Central and South America Trend of local market expansion Ease of parts and material procurement Ease of securing non-skilled labor Ease of securing skilled labor Possibility of using local R&D abilities Whether a base for export to Japan and third countries can be established Increase in business opportunities brought about by deregulation Request from clients and partners to establish a local site Business expansion to take advantage of FTA and regional integration in the future Use of joint-business partner's management resources Risk dispersion by avoiding business concentration on certain areas Investment incentives such as tax breaks 4 6 8 5.1 3. 9.4 7.4 1.2 4.5 12.4 15.4 3.3 3.3 11.8.7.9 1.5 8.5 12.5 6.9 5.3 1.5 1.5 31.7 28.2 75.2 72.4 FY16 4
Reference. Among ASEAN countries, expectations heighten for Vietnam Among the business expansion factors in ASEAN, the trend of local market expansion declined while ease of securing non-skilled labor and ease of securing skilled labor increased. The response rate for Vietnam rose with its relatively favorable investment environment, including investment incentives, low labor costs, and political stability. [ Most important factors for future decisions (ASEAN) ] [ Countries in ASEAN prioritized by Japanese companies for the greatest future focus ] Trend of local market expansion 4 6 8 72.7 76.3 Thailand 53.1 57.8 Ease of parts and material procurement Ease of securing non-skilled labor Ease of securing skilled labor 17. 19.3 14.2 12.1 14.7. Vietnam Indonesia 38.7 43.9 53.1 5.2 Possibility of using local R&D abilities Whether a base for export to Japan and third countries can be established Increase in business opportunities brought about by deregulation Request from clients and partners to establish a local site Business expansion to take advantage of FTA and regional integration in the future Use of joint-business partner's management resources Risk dispersion by avoiding business concentration on certain areas Investment incentives such as tax breaks 2.6 3.4.3 21.4 9.8 7.4 14.2 14.6 9.6 8.9 6.3 8.1 11.9 13.8 5.6 2.8 FY16 Malaysia 21.9 24.6 Philippines 14.2 FY2616 15. Myanmar 7.9.8 Cambodia 3.5 4.9 Laos 1.4 1.9 3 4 5 6 5
Reference. With the TPP avoiding collapse after the U.S. withdrawal, expectations for Vietnam grow among the 11 signatories (without the U.S.) Among the TPP signatories, Vietnam ranked 1st as an import and export partner and was the 2nd largest investment destination after Japan. [ TPP countries to which exports are increasing (multiple answers) ] U.S. Vietnam 19.3 19.7 18.5 Malaysia Singapore 8.5 11.2 11.1 11. Australia 5.9 5.9 Mexico Canada 3.3 3.2 4.8 5.1 FY15 New Zealand 2. 3.2 Brunei.7.8 Chile.7.3 5 15 25 [ TPP countries from which imports are increasing (multiple answers) ] [ TPP countries in which investment is increasing (multiple answers) ] Vietnam U.S. Malaysia Australia Singapore New Zealand Chile Canada Mexico Peru Brunei 1..6 1..6.5.9.5.5.3..2. 1.7 1.5 1.2 1.1 2.7 2.6 4 13.4 12.8 FY15 5 15 25 Japan Vietnam U.S. Mexico Malaysia Singapore Australia New Zealand Note: The U.S. was included as an option in the 15 survey, but was dropped in the 17 survey. Brunei Chile.7 1.5.3.8.2.2.2.2 2.3 2.2 1.8 3.9 4.9 11.9.7 11.5 12.8 FY15 5 15 25 6
3. Appetite for new investment in Asia remains flat. Despite of concerns about rising manufacturing costs, manufacturers are being aggressive rather than maintaining the status quo In terms of business operation trends in Asia, the rate for engaged in trade (exports) remained high. The rate of firms with local business bases was almost unchanged, while engaged in trade (imports) declined with Japanese firms increasing local procurement. The Asian bases of manufacturers used to concentrate on China, but now both China and ASEAN share the popularity. The number of Indian sites is also rising moderately. [ Japanese firms business initiatives in Asia (Multiple answers) ] 5 45 Engaged in trade (exports) 4 Engaged in trade (imports) 35 No initiatives at all 32.9 3 3.5 3.8 3.1 3.4 29. Establishing local business bases 28.5 28.6 25 27. 24.5 24.6 15 Engaged in technology transactions 5 [ Establishment of Asian business bases by country/area (Multiple answers) ] 8 7 ASEAN 6 China 5 4 3 NIEs India 7 9 11 13 15 17 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 7
Reference. For future business initiatives in Asia, firms are stepping up their efforts to rationalize lines and improve supply chains 5 [ China ] 6 [ ASEAN ] 45 4 Strengthening local operations by rationalizing lines, etc. 5 Strengthening local operations by rationalizing lines, etc. 35 3 25 Strengthening local operations through revision of suppliers and vendors 4 3 Strengthening local operations through revision of suppliers and vendors 15 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Build and improve supply chain network with head office, etc. Establish new base and strengthen local operations Increase capital to support local base Integrate and consolidate local bases Localize management and R&D 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Establish new base and strengthen local operations Build and improve supply chain network with head office, etc. Increase capital to support local base Localize management and R&D Integrate and consolidate local bases 35 [ NIEs ] [ India ] 5 3 45 4 25 15 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Strengthening local operations through revision of suppliers and vendors Build and improve supply chain network with head office, etc. Strengthening local operations by rationalizing lines, etc. Establish new base and strengthen local operations Increase capital to support local base Localize management and R&D Integrate and consolidate local bases 35 3 25 15 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Strengthening local operations by rationalizing lines, etc. Strengthening local operations through revision of suppliers and vendors Establish new base and strengthen local operations Increase capital to support local base Build and improve supply chain network with head office, etc. Localize management and R&D 8
Reference. While economic risks decline, rising costs pose concerns; but manufacturers are making positive moves rather than staying cautious [ Events likely to pose concerns in the coming 2-3 years for ASEAN business ] [ Events likely to pose concerns in the coming 2-3 years for China business ] 4 6 8 Rises in labor cost 84.4 78.4 Economic conditions in ASEAN 41.9 56.3 Exchange rate fluctuations Political/social confusion 37.6 38.5 36. 4.8 Natural disasters such as floods and typhoons Escalating competition due to local makers' market entry Escalating competition due to market entry of European, American, Taiwanese and South Korean makers Manifestation of trade conflicts with the U.S. 24.7 23. 15.6 13.1 12.4 12.2 3.8 8. FY16 Others 1.1.9 Rises in labor cost Economic conditions in China Japan-China relations Escalating competition due to local Chinese makers' market entry Fluctuations in the yuan-dollar rate Social/political confusion Real-estate bubble Over-production capacity in China Manifestation of trade conflicts with the U.S. Escalating competition due to market entry of European, American, Taiwanese and South Korean makers 4 6 8 48.6 37.3 47.7 35. 25.9 28.8 33.3 23.2 29.2 18.1 22.2 11.3 15.3 9.6.8 6.2 4.2 75.1 73.6 68.5 FY16 [ ASEAN business in the coming 2-3 years ] [ China business in the coming 2-3 years ] Increase production in ASEAN Increase personnel in ASEAN Expand sales bases in ASEAN Enhance site functions (R&D, etc.) Maintain the status quo Reduce personnel in ASEAN Others 4 6 8 1.1 1.1 Note: No company chose reduce production in ASEAN, reduce sales bases in ASEAN, or withdraw from ASEAN. 16.7 12.9 38.2 37.1 61.3 4 6 8 Increase production in China 41.2 Expand sales bases in China Increase personnel in China Maintain the status quo Enhance site functions (R&D, etc.) Expand business from China to the areas along the "Belt and Road" Reduce production in China Reduce personnel in China Withdraw from China Reduce sales bases in China Others 24.3 21.5.9 13. 6.8 5.1 4. 4. 3.4 1.1 9
4. Manufacturers are alarmed by possible impacts of U.S. pressure to correct the trade imbalance and the North Korean situation on exchange rates and trade While President Trump s call to fix the trade imbalance was not a major concern at the time of the survey, companies were wary of its impact on currency exchange rates and exports to the United States. Concerns deepened after the survey when the White House imposed high tariffs on steel and aluminum products. The North Korean situation is another risk factor in terms of currency fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. The U.S.-North Korea summit expected to take place by June 18 will likely determine future developments. [ Possible impact of the Trump administration s demand to correct the trade imbalance on business in Asia ] [ Possible impact of the North Korean situation on business in Asia in the future ] No impact in particular Asian currencies' fluctuations against the U.S. dollar Emergence of trade frictions between Asia and the United States Decline in U.S.-bound exports from Asia 12.9 19.2 28.3 47.8 Investors' risk aversion moves driving up the yen Supply chains in neighboring South Korea and China are affected No major impact 28.6 35.5 31.1 Increased geopolitical risk associated with less U.S. involvement Others 1.8 9. 5 Decline in the number of tourists to Japan 11.4 Others 5.5 5
5. Proposals based on the survey results (1) Increase assistance to stimulate internal demand in Asia (urban infrastructure, etc.) Japanese firms are increasingly aiming to take advantage of internal demand. Japanese government assistance for urban infrastructure as well as industrial infrastructure such as electrical grids, ports and roads will bring greater benefits to Japanese companies. [ Most important factors for future decisions ] [ China ] [ ASEAN ] 4 6 8 Trend of local market expansion 75.2 72.4 Ease of parts and material procurement 31.7 28.2 Ease of securing non-skilled labor Ease of securing skilled labor Possibility of using local R&D abilities Whether a base for export to Japan and third countries can be established Increase in business opportunities brought about by deregulation Request from clients and partners to establish a local site Business expansion to take advantage of FTA and regional integration in the future Use of joint-business partner's management resources Risk dispersion by avoiding business concentration on certain areas Investment incentives such as tax breaks 5.1 3. 9.4 7.4 1.2 4.5 12.4 15.4 3.3 3.3 11.8.7.9 1.5 8.5 12.5 6.9 5.3 1.5 1.5 FY16 4 6 8 Trend of local market expansion 72.7 76.3 Ease of parts and material procurement Ease of securing non-skilled labor Ease of securing skilled labor 17. 19.3 14.2 12.1 14.7. Possibility of using local R&D abilities 2.6 3.4 Whether a base for export to Japan and third countries can be established.3 21.4 Increase in business opportunities brought about by deregulation Request from clients and partners to establish a local site Business expansion to take advantage of FTA and regional integration in the future Use of joint-business partner's management resources Risk dispersion by avoiding business concentration on certain areas Investment incentives such as tax breaks 9.8 7.4 14.2 14.6 9.6 8.9 6.3 8.1 11.9 13.8 5.6 2.8 FY16 [ NIEs ] [ India ] 4 6 8 Trend of local market expansion 61.4 61.3 Ease of parts and material procurement 18.6 23. Ease of securing non-skilled labor Ease of securing skilled labor Possibility of using local R&D abilities Whether a base for export to Japan and third countries can be established Increase in business opportunities brought about by deregulation Request from clients and partners to establish a local site Business expansion to take advantage of FTA and regional integration in the future Use of joint-business partner's management resources Risk dispersion by avoiding business concentration on certain areas Investment incentives such as tax breaks 3.6 2.8 5. 4.4 2.3 4.4 9.1 12.5 4.5 6. 9.1 7.7 5. 1.6 4.5 3.6 5. 4.8 2.7 2. FY16 4 6 8 Trend of local market expansion 83.2 83.9 Ease of parts and material procurement Ease of securing non-skilled labor Ease of securing skilled labor Possibility of using local R&D abilities Whether a base for export to Japan and third countries can be established Increase in business opportunities brought about by deregulation Request from clients and partners to establish a local site Business expansion to take advantage of FTA and regional integration in the future Use of joint-business partner's management resources Risk dispersion by avoiding business concentration on certain areas Investment incentives such as tax breaks 11.6 11.5 8.4 5.7 5.3 1.1 4.2 4.6 9.5 17.2 6.3 6.9 15.8.3 4.2 6.9 6.3 5.7 5.3 9.2 1.1. FY16 11
5. Proposals based on the survey results (2) Promote RCEP With the TPP avoiding collapse after the U.S. withdrawal in 17, expectations for the Abe administration to promote the TPP talks suddenly rose. Amid the global surge of protectionism, companies evaluate the broad agreement in 17 as an achievement and expect to see the government s leadership. Expectations for RCEP waned following the decision to postpone the agreement beyond 17. Since RCEP negotiations cover 18 fields, including goods trade, services, e-commerce and government procurement, it is vital to promote the initiative as a measure to create rules for the wider Asian region. [ Policies Japanese companies expect from the Abe government ] Corporate tax reductions in Japan 57. 55.5 Promotion of TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) Improved Japan-China relations (normalization of relations) 33.4 3.7 32.1 29.6 Expansion of Asian tourists visiting Japan (further easing of visa regulations, etc.) Improved Japan-South Korea relations (normalization of relations) 19.1 16.7 17.6 19.5 Promotion of RCEP (FTA of ASEAN + Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand) Promotion of FTA among Japan, China and South Korea 9. 9.9 14.8 24. FY16 Others 8. 8.9 4 6 12
5. Proposals based on the survey results (3) Take advantage of improving Japan-China relations to seize business opportunities Japan and China resumed their high-level economic dialogue in April 18 after an eight-year hiatus and confirmed their willingness to play responsible roles in boosting multinational free trade and investment. The two countries also agreed to cooperate in promoting RCEP and the Japan-China-South Korea FTA as well as enhance the bilateral economic relationship and cooperation in third countries. Advancing Japan-China relations through the resumption of top-level diplomatic talks and China s commitment to multinational free trade and investment will be beneficial, particularly amid growing concerns over the global rise of protectionism. An improved Japan-China relationship will increase business opportunities in bilateral trade as well as business cooperation in third countries. [ Outline of the High-Level Japan-China Economic Dialogue (excerpts) ] Japan-China agreements Promotion of multinational trade and investment Enhancement of the bilateral economic relationship Cooperation in third countries Japan and China will promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, protect the multilateral trade system, promote the globalization process of the economy, and play a responsible role in the development of the regional and global economy and solving global issues. The two countries also agreed to promote RCEP and the Japan- China-South Korea FTA. China proposed cooperation in energy-saving/environment, science and technology/innovation, high-end manufacturing industries, fiscal and monetary policy, the sharing economy, and medical care/long-term care. Japan and China agreed that promoting business activities between private-sector companies as well as their development in third countries, is beneficial for expanding bilateral economic cooperation, and would also bring benefits for third countries. Source: Made by MHRI based on press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (April 17, 18) 13
Outline of the 18th Survey Regarding Business in Asia Survey period: February 1 to 28, 18 Coverage: Member companies of Mizuho Research Institute that are manufacturers with capital of at least JPY million Questionnaires sent to: 4,411 companies Valid responses: 1,52 companies (23.8%) Survey method: Questionnaires sent and collected by post [ Summary of Past Surveys on Business in Asia ] 1 st Survey 2 nd Survey 3 rd Survey 4 th Survey 5 th Survey November 1999 August August 1 June 2 March 4 Sent to 1, randomly selected companies (ex., financial institutions). 859 valid responses. Sent to 1, randomly selected companies (ex., financial institutions). 872 valid responses. Sent to 1, randomly selected companies (ex., financial institutions). 822 valid responses. Sent to 1, randomly selected companies (ex., financial institutions). 782 valid responses. Sent to 2,399 manufacturers with capital of at least JPY5 million. 776 valid responses. 6 th Survey 7 th Survey 8 th Survey 9 th Survey th Survey May 5 April 6 July 7 Oct/Nov 8 February Sent to 5,157 manufacturers with 1,351 valid responses. Sent to 2,483 manufacturers with capital of at least JPY5 million. 683 valid responses. Sent to 5,78 manufacturers with 1,18 valid responses. Sent to 4,949 manufacturers with 1,383 valid responses. Sent to 5,341 manufacturers with 1,486 valid responses. 11 th Survey 12 th Survey 13 th Survey 14 th Survey 15 th Survey February 11 February 12 February 13 February 14 February 15 Sent to 5,137 manufacturers with 1,416 valid responses. Sent to 4,767 manufacturers with 1,243 valid responses. Sent to 4,699 manufacturers with 1,33 valid responses. Sent to 4,581 manufacturers with 1,81 valid responses. Sent to 4,481 manufacturers with 1,158 valid responses. 16 th Survey 17 th Survey 18th Survey February 16 February 17 February 18 Sent to 4,454 manufacturers with 1, valid responses. Sent to 4,43 manufacturers with 1,121 valid responses. Sent to 4,411 manufacturers with 1,52 valid responses. 14
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