Key facts
- Japanese exports rose 19.3% year-on-year in June, the tenth consecutive month of growth.
- Imports surged 25.4% year-on-year in June.
- Japan recorded a trade deficit of 406.9 billion yen in June.
- Exports to the U.S. increased 13% and to China rose 17.6% in June.
- The weak yen and strong demand for AI-related data centers boosted exports.
Japan's exports increased 19.3% year-on-year in June, marking the tenth consecutive month of growth, according to government data. This figure surpassed the median market forecast of an 18.6% increase. Imports surged 25.4% from a year earlier, exceeding market forecasts for a 21% increase. The stronger import bill, exacerbated by a weak yen, contributed to a trade deficit of 406.9 billion yen ($2.49 billion) in June, wider than the anticipated 120 billion yen deficit. Exports to the United States rose 13% and to China increased 17.6%. Demand driven by AI-related data centers and a weak yen were key factors supporting export growth, despite supply disruptions impacting trade routes.