Japan's exports fall for ninth straight month as global demand falters

This file photo shows cars for export parked at a port in Yokohama, near Tokyo. - AP

TOKYO: Japan's exports slipped for a ninth straight month in August as international trade tensions ramped up risks for the world's third-largest economy, although the decline was slightly smaller than expected.

The negative reading adds some pressure on the Bank of Japan to expand stimulus at its policy meeting on Thursday to prop up business sentiment and manufacturing activity, which have been hit by global economic weakness.