Japan: Trade Balance: Monthly Value

Macro

2026-03-18
Description

Japan Trade Balance: Current Month Value is released by the Ministry of Finance (MOF). This indicator measures the difference between the value of merchandise exports and imports during a given month. A positive trade balance signifies a trade surplus, meaning exports exceeded imports, which can be a sign of economic strength. Conversely, a negative trade balance represents a trade deficit, meaning imports surpassed exports, which can be a sign of economic weakness.

The trade balance is calculated by subtracting the total value of imports from the total value of exports for the month. These figures are collected from customs data and other relevant sources.

The data is updated monthly and is typically released around the 20th of the following month.

Published by
Ministry of Finance of Japan (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update
Hashtags
Import/Export Japan

AI Data Insight

According to the latest data, Japan's trade balance for the first quarter of 2026 recorded a surplus of 57,269 million yen, narrowing significantly from the previous figure. Despite the shrinking surplus, the data unexpectedly beat market forecasts of a massive deficit, primarily benefiting from AI-driven demand for electronic components and growth in the European market, which successfully offset weakness in the two major export destinations of China and the US.

Dive in →

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AI Data Insight

According to the latest data, Japan's trade balance for the first quarter of 2026 recorded a surplus of 57,269 million yen, narrowing significantly from the previous figure. Despite the shrinking surplus, the data unexpectedly beat market forecasts of a massive deficit, primarily benefiting from AI-driven demand for electronic components and growth in the European market, which successfully offset weakness in the two major export destinations of China and the US.

Dive in →

You May Also Like

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Macro
Description

Japan Trade Balance: Current Month Value is released by the Ministry of Finance (MOF). This indicator measures the difference between the value of merchandise exports and imports during a given month. A positive trade balance signifies a trade surplus, meaning exports exceeded imports, which can be a sign of economic strength. Conversely, a negative trade balance represents a trade deficit, meaning imports surpassed exports, which can be a sign of economic weakness.

The trade balance is calculated by subtracting the total value of imports from the total value of exports for the month. These figures are collected from customs data and other relevant sources.

The data is updated monthly and is typically released around the 20th of the following month.

Published by
Ministry of Finance of Japan (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update
Hashtags
Import/Export Japan