Japan: Trade Balance: Monthly Value

Macro

2026-05-21

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

AI Data Insight

Japan's trade balance for Q2 (April) 2026 recorded a surplus of 301.905 billion yen. Although narrowing from the previous value of 666.977 billion yen, it significantly beat the market consensus of a deficit. Benefiting from a weak yen and strong demand from the US and China, exports grew by 14.8% year-on-year, becoming the largest support. Looking ahead, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and energy price fluctuations remain key variables influencing the trade surplus.

AI Data Insight

Japan's trade balance for Q2 (April) 2026 recorded a surplus of 301.905 billion yen. Although narrowing from the previous value of 666.977 billion yen, it significantly beat the market consensus of a deficit. Benefiting from a weak yen and strong demand from the US and China, exports grew by 14.8% year-on-year, becoming the largest support. Looking ahead, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and energy price fluctuations remain key variables influencing the trade surplus.

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