Japan’s trade deficit decreased to JPY 695.30 billion in August 2024 from JPY 940.10 billion in the same month a year earlier, but it was still above market expectations of a JPY 1,380 billion shortfall.

Japan has posted a trade deficit for a second straight month, as both exports and imports were lower than expected

Japan's export growth slowed sharply in August as shipments to the U.S. dropped for the first time in three years, while machinery orders unexpectedly shrank in July in a worrying sign for an economy struggling to mount a solid recovery.

Imports climbed 2.3%, falling short of the 15% gain forecast by economists, with trade deficit widening to ¥695.3 billion.

Japanese exports rose at a slower-than-expected pace in August, adding to concerns about the outlook for the global economy.

Japan's exports rose at a much slower-than-expected pace in August and shipment volumes continued to slide, data showed on Wednesday, a sign that slowing global demand was weighing on a fragile economic recovery.