News

Japan Unexpectedly Posts Trade Surplus
Japan’s trade surplus plunged to JPY 57.3 billion in February 2026 from JPY 559.2 billion a year earlier, defying market expectations of a JPY 483.2 billion deficit, as import growth outpaced exports. Sales rose 4.2% year-on-year to JPY 9,571.6 billion, easing markedly from a 16.8% surge in January and marking the weakest growth since last October, amid softer demand from China and the U.S. Meanwhile, imports jumped 10.2% to JPY 9,514.3 billion, below forecasts of 11.5% but rebounding from a 2.6% decline in January. This was the fastest increase in shipments since July 2024, supported by firm domestic demand following Tokyo’s large stimulus package introduced in November.
Published on 2026-03-18

Japan Unexpectedly Posts Trade Surplus
Japan’s trade surplus plunged to JPY 57.3 billion in February 2026 from JPY 559.2 billion a year earlier, as import growth outpaced exports. Still, the latest outcome defied market expectations of a JPY 483.2 billion deficit. Exports rose 4.2% year-on-year to JPY 9,571.6 billion, easing markedly from a 16.8% surge in January and marking the weakest growth since last October, amid softer demand from China and the U.S. Meanwhile, imports jumped 10.2% to JPY 9,514.3 billion, below forecasts of 11.5% but rebounding from a 2.6% decline in January. This was the fastest increase in shipments since July 2024, supported by firm domestic demand following Tokyo’s large stimulus package introduced in November.
Published on 2026-03-18

Japan Unexpectedly Posts Trade Surplus
Japan’s trade surplus plunged to JPY 57.3 billion in February 2026 from JPY 559.2 billion a year earlier, as import growth outpaced exports. Still, the latest outcome defied market expectations of a JPY 483.2 billion deficit. Exports rose 4.2% year-on-year to JPY 9,571.6 billion, easing markedly from a 16.8% surge in January and marking the weakest growth since last October, amid softer demand from China and the U.S. Meanwhile, imports jumped 10.2% to JPY 9,514.3 billion, below forecasts of 11.5% but rebounding from a 2.6% decline in January. This was the fastest increase in shipments since July 2024, supported by firm domestic demand following Tokyo’s large stimulus package introduced in November.
Published on 2026-03-18

Japan Unexpectedly Posts Trade Surplus
Japan’s trade surplus plunged to JPY 57.3 billion in February 2026 from JPY 559.2 billion a year earlier, as import growth outpaced exports. Still, the latest outcome defied market expectations of a JPY 483.2 billion deficit. Exports rose 4.2% year-on-year to JPY 9,571.6 billion, easing markedly from a 16.8% surge in January and marking the weakest growth since last October, amid softer demand from China and the U.S. Still, sales growth stretched into a sixth month, topping forecasts for a 1.6% rise. Meanwhile, imports jumped 10.2% to JPY 9,514.3 billion, below forecasts of 11.5% but rebounding from a 2.6% decline in January. This was the fastest increase in shipments since July 2024, supported by firm domestic demand following Tokyo’s large stimulus package introduced in November.
Published on 2026-03-18

Japan Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply
Japan’s trade deficit decreased significantly to JPY 1,152.7 billion in January 2026 from JPY 2,741.7 billion in the same month a year earlier, beating market expectations for a JPY 2,142.1 billion shortfall, as exports jumped while imports declined. Year-on-year, exports surged 16.8% to JPY 9,187.5 billion, sharply accelerating from a 5.1% growth in December and marking the fastest rise since November 2022, buoyed by strong demand from China and other Asian markets ahead of the Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, imports dropped 2.5% to JPY 10,340.2 billion, missing estimates of a 3% increase and reversing a 5.2% growth in December. It also marked the first drop in purchases since last August, despite Tokyo’s massive stimulus package, the first under the Takaichi administration.
Published on 2026-02-18

Japan Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply
Japan’s trade deficit decreased significantly to JPY 1,152.7 billion in January 2026 from JPY 2,741.7 billion in the same month a year earlier, beating market expectations for a JPY 2,142.1 billion shortfall, as exports jumped while imports declined. Year-on-year, exports surged 16.8% to JPY 9,187.5 billion, sharply accelerating from a 5.1% growth in December and marking the fastest rise since November 2022, buoyed by strong demand from China and other Asian markets ahead of the Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, imports dropped 2.5% to JPY 10,340.2 billion, missing estimates of a 3% increase and reversing a 5.2% growth in December. It also marked the first drop in purchases since last August, despite Tokyo’s massive stimulus package launched in November, the first under the Takaichi administration.
Published on 2026-02-18

Japan Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply
Japan’s trade deficit decreased significantly to JPY 1,152.7 billion in January 2026 from JPY 2,741.7 billion in the same month a year earlier, beating market expectations for a JPY 2,142.1 billion shortfall, as exports jumped while imports declined. Year-on-year, exports surged 16.8% to JPY 9,187.5 billion, sharply accelerating from a 5.1% growth in December and marking the fastest rise since November 2022, buoyed by strong foreign demand at the start of a new year. Meanwhile, imports dropped 2.5% to JPY 10,340.2 billion, missing estimates of a 3% increase and reversing a 5.2% growth in December.
Published on 2026-02-18

Japan Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply
Japan’s trade deficit decreased significantly to JPY 1,152.7 billion in January 2026 from JPY 2,741.7 billion in the same month a year earlier, beating market expectations for a JPY 2,142.1 billion shortfall, as exports jumped while imports declined. Year-on-year, exports surged 16.8% to JPY 9,187.5 billion, sharply accelerating from a 5.1% growth in December and marking the fastest rise since November 2022, buoyed by strong demand from China and other Asian markets ahead of the Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, imports dropped 2.5% to JPY 10,340.2 billion, missing estimates of a 3% increase and reversing a 5.2% growth in December.
Published on 2026-02-18

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus narrowed to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations for a JPY 357 billion gain, as imports grew a bit faster than exports. Imports climbed 5.3% year-on-year to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, extending gains for a fourth consecutive month and easily beating forecasts of 3.6%, highlighting solid domestic demand, underpinned by Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus package, the biggest since the pandemic and the first introduced under the Takaichi administration. Meanwhile, exports rose 5.1% to a record of JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight monthly increase, buoyed by strong year-end foreign demand and a weaker yen. However, the gain fell short of the consensus of 6.1%, as Japanese automakers continued to face a 15% U.S. tariff under the trade deal reached in September. In 2025, Japan logged a trade gap of about JPY 2.65 trillion, down 52.9% from the prior year.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus narrowed to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations for a JPY 357 billion gain, as imports grew a bit faster than exports. Imports climbed 5.3% year-on-year to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, extending gains for a fourth consecutive month and beating forecasts of 3.6%, underpinned by Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus package, the biggest since the pandemic and the first introduced under the Takaichi administration. Meanwhile, exports rose 5.1% to a record JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight monthly increase, supported by strong year-end foreign demand and a weaker yen. However, the gain fell short of the 6.1% forecast, as Japanese automakers continued to face a 15% tariff on U.S.-bound shipments.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus narrowed to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations for a JPY 357 billion gain, as imports grew a bit faster than exports. Imports climbed 5.3% year-on-year to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, extending gains for a fourth consecutive month and easily beating forecasts of 3.6%, highlighting solid domestic demand, underpinned by Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus package, the biggest since the pandemic and the first introduced under the Takaichi administration. Meanwhile, exports rose 5.1% to a record peak of JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight monthly increase, supported by strong year-end foreign demand and a weaker yen. However, the gain fell short of the consensus of 6.1%, as Japanese automakers continued to face a 15% tariff on U.S.-bound shipments under the trade deal reached in September between Japan and the U.S.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus fell to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market estimates for a gain of JPY 357 billion. Exports rose 5.1% year-on-year to a record peak of JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight month of growth and beating forecasts of 3.6%. It also indicated the fastest pace of shipments since January, due to robust foreign demand at the year-end. Meanwhile, imports grew 5.3% to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, marking a fourth successive month of increase and outperforming expectations of 3.6%.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus narrowed to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations for a JPY 357 billion gain, as imports grew a bit faster than exports. Imports climbed 5.3% year-on-year to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, extending gains for a fourth consecutive month and beating forecasts of 3.6%, highlighting solid domestic demand, underpinned by Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus package, the biggest since the pandemic and the first introduced under the Takaichi administration. Meanwhile, exports rose 5.1% to a record JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight monthly increase, supported by strong year-end foreign demand and a weaker yen. However, the gain fell short of the 6.1% forecast, as Japanese automakers continued to face a 15% tariff on U.S.-bound shipments.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus fell to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market estimates for a gain of JPY 357 billion. Exports rose 5.1% year-on-year to a record peak of JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight month of growth but falling short of forecasts of 6.1%. Still, it indicated the fastest pace of shipments since January, driven by robust foreign demand at the end of the year. Meanwhile, imports grew 5.3% to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, marking a fourth successive month of increase and outperforming expectations of 3.6%.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus narrowed to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations for a JPY 357 billion gain, as imports grew a bit faster than exports. Imports climbed 5.3% year-on-year to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, extending gains for a fourth consecutive month and easily beating forecasts of 3.6%, highlighting solid domestic demand, underpinned by Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus package, the biggest since the pandemic and the first introduced under the Takaichi administration. Meanwhile, exports rose 5.1% to a record JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight monthly increase, supported by strong year-end foreign demand and a weaker yen. However, the gain fell short of the 6.1% forecast, as Japanese automakers continued to face a 15% tariff on U.S.-bound shipments.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus fell to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market estimates for a gain of JPY 357 billion. Exports rose 5.1% year-on-year to a record peak of JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight month of growth but falling short of forecasts of 6.1%. Meanwhile, imports grew 5.3% to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, marking a fourth successive month of increase and outperforming expectations of 3.6%.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Trade Surplus Below Forecasts
Japan’s trade surplus narrowed to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025 from JPY 120.3 billion in the same month a year earlier, missing market expectations for a JPY 357 billion gain, as imports grew a bit faster than exports. Imports climbed 5.3% year-on-year to an 11-month high of JPY 10,305.8 billion, extending gains for a fourth consecutive month and easily beating forecasts of 3.6%, highlighting solid domestic demand, underpinned by Tokyo’s large-scale stimulus package, the biggest since the pandemic and the first introduced under the Takaichi administration. Meanwhile, exports rose 5.1% to a record JPY 10,411.5 billion, marking a fourth straight monthly increase, supported by strong year-end foreign demand and a weaker yen. However, the gain fell short of the consensus of 6.1%, as Japanese automakers continued to face a 15% tariff on U.S.-bound shipments under the trade deal reached in September between Japan and the U.S.
Published on 2026-01-22

Japan Logs First Trade Surplus in 5 Months
Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus of JPY 322.2 billion in November 2025 from a deficit of JPY 120.8 billion in the same month a year earlier, easily exceeding market forecasts of a gain of JPY 71.2 billion and marking the first surplus since June. Exports rose 6.1% year-on-year to JPY 9,714.7 billion, marking a third consecutive month of growth and outpacing forecasts of 4.8%. It also indicated the fastest pace of shipments since February, due to driven by solid overseas demand for automobiles and capital goods, firmer exports to the U.S. and parts of Asia, and the yen’s relative weakness, which continued to enhance the price competitiveness of Japanese products abroad. Meanwhile, imports grew 1.3% to JPY 9,392.4 billion, marking a third straight month of expansion but falling short of estimates for a 2.5% gain. The slowdown reflected softer domestic demand, particularly for consumer goods, alongside easing energy prices that curbed the value of fuel imports.
Published on 2025-12-17

Japan Logs First Trade Surplus in 5 Months
Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus of JPY 322.2 billion in November 2025 from a deficit of JPY 120.8 billion in the same month a year earlier, easily exceeding market forecasts of a gain of JPY 71.2 billion and marking the first surplus since June. Exports rose 6.1% year-on-year to JPY 9,714.7 billion, marking a third consecutive month of growth and outpacing forecasts of 4.8%. It also indicated the fastest pace of shipments since February, due to solid overseas demand for automobiles and capital goods, firmer exports to the U.S. and parts of Asia, and the yen’s relative weakness, which continued to enhance the price competitiveness of Japanese products abroad. Meanwhile, imports grew 1.3% to JPY 9,392.4 billion, marking a third straight month of expansion but falling short of estimates for a 2.5% gain. The slowdown reflected softer domestic demand, particularly for consumer goods, alongside easing energy prices that curbed the value of fuel imports.
Published on 2025-12-17

Japan Logs First Trade Surplus in 5 Months
Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus of JPY 322.2 billion in November 2025 from a deficit of JPY 120.8 billion in the same month a year earlier, easily exceeding market forecasts of a gain of JPY 71.2 billion and marking the first surplus since June. Exports rose 6.1% year-on-year to JPY 9,714.7 billion, marking a third consecutive month of growth and outpacing forecasts of 4.8%. It also indicated the fastest pace of shipments since February, due to solid overseas demand for automobiles and capital goods, firmer exports to the U.S. and parts of Asia, and the yen’s relative weakness, which continued to enhance the price competitiveness of Japanese products abroad. Meanwhile, imports grew 1.3% to JPY 9,392.4 billion, marking a third straight month of expansion but falling short of estimates for a 2.5% gain. The slowdown reflected softer domestic demand, particularly for consumer goods, alongside easing energy prices that curbed the value of fuel imports.
Published on 2025-12-17