Japan Posts Trade Deficit in September as Imports Rise 18.9%

Tokyo, October 21 (QNA) – Japan’s trade deficit widened in September as imports grew faster than exports, according to preliminary data released by the Finance Ministry.

Japanese exports rose 16.7 percent from a year earlier to 10.9723 trillion yen, while imports increased 18.9 percent to 11.5088 trillion yen.

The trade deficit reached 536.5 billion yen for the month, as the value of imports exceeded total exports.

Exports continued to grow for a 13th consecutive month, supported by demand for semiconductors and equipment used in chip manufacturing. (QNA)