Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters condemning the terror attacks in Belgium, at Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, March 22, 2016. REUTERS/Franck Robichon/Pool
TOKYO (Reuters) - In late 2014, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe caught markets and voters off-guard when he postponed an unpopular sales tax hike and called a snap election. Less than two years later, the only surprise will be if he doesn't repeat the play.
With consumption weak, wage growth limp and emerging economy slowdowns clouding Japan's growth, economists bet Abe will again delay raising the tax to 10 percent from 8 percent. Currently due in April 2017, the hike is seen by fiscal conservatives as vital to rein in bulging public debt and social security costs.
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