AsianFin -- Japan’s exports increased for the third consecutive month in December, driven by a weaker yen, as businesses awaited clearer signals on U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump’s second term.
The Ministry of Finance reported Thursday that export values rose 2.8% year-over-year, surpassing the 2.4% consensus estimate, with gains led by chip-making machinery and semiconductor parts. However, export volumes declined. Imports grew by 1.8%, driven by calculation machinery and related goods, but fell short of the projected 3.2% increase.
The yen averaged 152.48 per dollar in December, 3.8% weaker than the same period the previous year. While a weaker yen bolsters exporters’ profits, it also raises costs for importing energy and food.
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