TOKYO, April 18, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese core inflation accelerated in March to 3.2 percent from 3.0 percent in February, official data showed Friday.

The year-on-year rise in consumer prices excluding fresh food in the world's fourth-biggest economy was in line with market expectations.

Excluding energy as well, prices rose 2.9 percent compared to 2.6 percent in February. But overall inflation eased to 3.6 percent from 3.7 percent.

The internal affairs ministry says the prices of both fresh and non-fresh food products rose, as did hotel fees.

Grain prices rose 25.4 percent, with rice prices logging an enormous 92.5-percent jump.

Fresh food prices also rose, with cabbage prices soaring 111.6 percent. The cost of lodging rose 6.6 percent.

The data is likely to strengthen expectations that the Bank of Japan will hike interest rates, with inflation above the BoJ's target of two percent for almost three years.

However, uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump's trade policies could prompt the central bank to stick to its current stance for now.