Japan’s Ministry of Finance said today (May 19) that exports rose 12.5% in April from a year earlier. They rose for the 14th consecutive month, following a 14.7% increase in March, with exports boosted by strong international demand for iron and fuel.
Imports for the month of April increased by 28.2% compared to forecasts of 35.0%.
Japan posted a trade deficit of 839 billion yen ($7 billion), compared with forecasts of a deficit of 1.150 trillion yen, with Japan continuing its ninth straight month of trade deficit.
Exports to Europe rose 19.1% and the United States rose 17.6% due to strong demand for steel, automobiles and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Exports to China fell 5.9% in April.