Japan's trade balance posts JPY294.24 billion deficit in September as exports decline

Japan's trade balance swung to a deficit of JPY294.24 billion in September from a surplus of JPY60.56 billion in the same month a year earlier.

Japan's trade balance posts JPY294.24 billion deficit in September as exports decline

The data was released Thursday by Japan's Ministry of Finance.

It was the third consecutive month of a trade gap, worse than market forecasts for a deficit of JPY237.6 billion, as exports unexpectedly contracted and imports rose.

Japan's sales decline 1.7% while imports rise 2.1% in September

Sales fell 1.7% to JPY9,038.20 billion, marking the first decline since November 2023 and missing consensus for a 0.5% increase.

Imports rose 2.1% to JPY9,332.55 billion, marking the sixth consecutive month of expansion but missing estimates of 3.2%.