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2026-09-16 08:24:09
[Japan's exports rose 19.3% in August, slightly lower than the 23.2% increase in July, but higher than the median forecast of 18.4% by economists.] (1) Data released by Japan's Ministry of Finance on Wednesday showed that Japan's exports rose 19.3% year-on-year in August, lower than the 23.2% increase in July, but higher than the median forecast of 18.4% by economists. (2) Imports rose 28% year-on-year, higher than the 26.3% forecast by economists. The unadjusted trade deficit widened to 1.1 trillion yen, compared with a revised deficit of 638.3 billion yen in July. The trade deficit has appeared for four consecutive months. (3) The report highlighted the impact of market volatility on the trade balance. Oil prices remained relatively high in August, with Brent crude averaging about US$88 per barrel; the yen exchange rate continued to fluctuate around 160 yen to the dollar, pushing up Japan's crude oil imports. (4) Affected by the increase in attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the continued tension between the US and Iran, Brent crude oil prices broke through US$100 per barrel last week. (5) Since September, the Japanese yen has appreciated by more than 3% against the US dollar, becoming the best-performing currency in Asia during the same period. (6) By export destination, exports to the US increased by 24.9%, exports to China increased by 20.6%, and exports to Europe increased by 11%.
