Japan: Merchandise exports grow at a stronger pace in May
Yen-denominated merchandise exports rose 15.8% over the same month last year in May, following April’s 12.5% upturn. Meanwhile, merchandise imports shot up 48.9% in annual terms in May (April: +28.3% yoy).
As a result, the merchandise trade deficit rose from the previous month, to JPY 2.4 trillion in May (April 2022: JPY 0.8 trillion; May 2021: JPY 0.2 trillion). Lastly, the trend deteriorated, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance recording a JPY 8.6 trillion deficit in May, compared to the USD 6.5 billion deficit in April.
Analysts at EIU commented on the trade outlook:
“We have already factored in a substantial goods trade deficit in our 2022 forecast as a result of elevated global energy and foods prices; further softening in export orders constitutes a downside risk to our forecast and would lead us to expect a wider trade deficit for this year, which will add to the depreciatory pressure on the yen.”