Hi everyone! Thank you for tuning in to Time for English.
Japan increased its consumption tax earlier this month, for the first time in five years, raising the rate from 8% to 10%. The new rate applies to nearly all goods and services, although most food and beverages are exempt from the hike.
So, did you do a lot of shopping ahead of the price hike? Did you rush out to stock up on toilet rolls and toothpaste, beauty supplies, or pet food? As I mentioned earlier, for most food and beverages, the rate remains 8%, but they don't give a break to your pet's food.
Myself? I've just stocked up on some cosmetics, as well as beer and wine.
Finally, before I let you go, I want to make sure you know what the phrase "to stock up on” means and how to use it. To stock up on something means to buy a lot of something in order to keep it for when you need it later.
Now, would you like to practice together? Please repeat after me:
We stock up on canned food when they are on sale.