Japan exports knocked by weak US shipments, hurt economic recovery

Japan's trade balance was in deficit for the 26th month in a row, an indication that its status as an export powerhouse has faded as companies shift production offshore - EPA Photo.

TOKYO: Japan's exports declined in August as shipments to the US contracted, another sign the economy is struggling to rev up after a deep slump in April-June.

A further period of lacklustre exports and slack domestic demand could force the government and the Bank of Japan to find new ways to prop up the economy.