The Economic Intelligence Agency reported on the 21st that Japan's Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday that September exports increased by 16.7% year-on-year, lower than the median economist forecast of 21.3%. Japanese exports have now grown for 13 consecutive months.
Imports rose 18.9% year-on-year, also below economists' expectations of 20.4%. The unadjusted trade deficit was 536 billion yen ($3.4 billion), significantly narrower than August's deficit of 1.1 trillion yen.
By destination, Japan's exports to the United States rose 22.9%, while exports to China and the European Union rose 8.6% and 10.5% respectively. Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East keeping oil prices high, Japan's crude oil imports increased 51% compared to the same period last year. (rc)
Imports rose 18.9% year-on-year, also below economists' expectations of 20.4%. The unadjusted trade deficit was 536 billion yen ($3.4 billion), significantly narrower than August's deficit of 1.1 trillion yen.
By destination, Japan's exports to the United States rose 22.9%, while exports to China and the European Union rose 8.6% and 10.5% respectively. Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East keeping oil prices high, Japan's crude oil imports increased 51% compared to the same period last year. (rc)
