Japan June Trade Deficit Widens Sharply, Missing Estimates
Japan's trade balance for June came in at a deficit of ¥406.9 billion, far worse than the expected ¥120 billion deficit, as imports surged 25.4% year-on-year.
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Japan's June trade data revealed a much larger-than-expected deficit, driven by a sharp surge in imports that outpaced export growth.
Key figures:
- Trade balance: -¥406.9B (estimate -¥120B; previous +¥391.8B)
- Exports: +19.3% y/y (estimate +18.0%; previous +16.8%)
- Imports: +25.4% y/y (estimate +21.2%; previous +12.5%)
- Adjusted trade balance: -¥881.9B (estimate -¥598.1B; previous -¥221.1B)
The data underscores persistent import cost pressures, partly from energy prices, and suggests continued headwinds for Japan's external sector.
Source: First Squawk