Japan - Trade Balance (April): ¥ 481.7bn (vs. expected ¥ 520.7B)

Eamonn Sheridan

Sunday, 21/05/2017 | 23:50 GMT

Japan - Trade Balance for April, a 481.7bn yen surplus

expected ¥ 520.7B, prior ¥ 614.0B

Trade balance adjusted ¥ 97.6B

expected ¥ 259.6B, prior ¥ 172.2B

Exports have been a positive for the Japanese economy, for April +7.5%, a miss

expected at +8% y/y prior +12%

Imports +15.1%, a beat

expected +14.8%, prior +15.8%

Exports to US +2.6% y/y

to China +14.8% y/y
to Asia +12.2% y/y
to the EU +2.6% y/y

Japan's MoF reporting the April trade surplus with the US is -4.2% y/y.

A miss on the expected size of the surplus, imports up and exports down. Nevertheless a fifth consecutive month of gains in exports and a positive area for Japan's economy.