Exports rise despite drag caused by US tariffs

Mixed outcome: A shopper looks at items at a discount store in Tokyo. Japan’s trade surplus with the United States has dropped by 12.6% to US$47.5bil while its trade deficit with China has stayed steady at around US$50bil. — Reuters

Tokyo: Japan’s exports managed to rise last year despite the first fall in shipments to the United States since the pandemic, in a year that was roiled by tariffs from President Donald Trump.

Overall exports gained 3.1% last year from the previous year, led by electronic parts and food, the Finance Ministry reported yesterday.