Japan: Trade Balance: Monthly Value

Macro

2026-08-20

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

Japan's Q3 2026 trade deficit widened to 634.5 billion yen, higher than the previous Q2 2026 deficit of 409.9 billion yen, marking the third consecutive month of deficit, though slightly better than market expectations. Driven by a weak yen and geopolitically elevated oil prices, crude oil import costs soared, offsetting the record-high exports fueled by AI and semiconductor equipment. Looking ahead, high energy prices and slowing global terminal demand will continue to test Japan's export competitiveness.

Dive in →

You May Also Like

AI Data Insight

Japan's Q3 2026 trade deficit widened to 634.5 billion yen, higher than the previous Q2 2026 deficit of 409.9 billion yen, marking the third consecutive month of deficit, though slightly better than market expectations. Driven by a weak yen and geopolitically elevated oil prices, crude oil import costs soared, offsetting the record-high exports fueled by AI and semiconductor equipment. Looking ahead, high energy prices and slowing global terminal demand will continue to test Japan's export competitiveness.

Dive in →

You May Also Like

Other Industry

Semiconductor
Display
LED
Energy
Electronics
Telecom
Emerging Tech
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