Japan Faces Trade Deficit as Exports Decline Amid Global Slowdown

The drop in Japanese exports, the first in 10 months, highlights challenges from weak demand in China and the United States.

Japan recorded a trade deficit of 294.3 billion yen ($2 billion) in September, driven by a 1.7% year-on-year drop in exports.
This marks the first decline in Japanese exports in 10 months, missing market forecasts of a 0.5% increase.
The decrease in exports is primarily attributed to reduced demand from China and the United States, Japan's largest trading partners.
Imports grew by 2.1% in September, contributing to the trade deficit, although this was below the expected 3.2% increase.
The Bank of Japan remains cautious about external economic risks, with no immediate changes expected in its interest rate policy.