Chapter 18: Q. 8 (page 495)
In the mid- to late 1970s, the yen appreciated in value relative to the dollar, even though Japan鈥檚 inflation rate was higher than America鈥檚. How can this be explained by improvements in the productivity of Japanese industry relative to U.S. industry?
Short Answer
Because of the high value of the yen, the Japanese could continue to provide their products at a discount because of their increased utility in comparison to American efficiency.