Japan Exports Edged Up in November as Yen Weakens

Japan's export performance rose robustly in November as the yen continued to weaken and the improvement in overseas demand buoyed shipments from the trade sector. Exports slipped 0.4 percent in the year to November, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) data. However, it exceeded economists' expectations of a 2.0 percent annual decline.

The value of exports to China increased at an annual 4.4 percent, the first rise in nine months as a result of higher shipments of automobile parts. Exports in terms of volume climbed 7.4 percent from a year earlier, as external demand begin to show signs of regaining ground. Data has shown that exports dropped in November at a slower pace due to the declining value of car and steel shipments in comparison to the previous month. Exports to the United States edged down 1.8 percent year-on-year against the 11.2 percent annual decline in October.

The trade balance arrived at a surplus of 152.5 billion yen ($1.29 billion). The yen dropped 8.4 percent in November, which resulted in pulling up the value of Japanese exports.

News are provided by InstaForex