Japan Posts 1.71 Trillion Yen Trade Deficit for Fifth Consecutive Fiscal Year

Gate News message, April 22 — Japan recorded a trade deficit of 1.71 trillion yen (approximately $10.75 billion) for fiscal year 2025 (April 2025–March 2026), marking the fifth consecutive year of trade imbalance, according to preliminary data released by Japan’s Ministry of Finance.

Exports grew 4% year-over-year to 113.24 trillion yen, driven by increased shipments of semiconductor-related products. Imports rose just 0.5% to 114.96 trillion yen, as energy commodity prices declined.

U.S. crude oil exports to Japan surged 100.7% while liquefied petroleum gas exports jumped 28.1% in the fiscal year. However, Japanese exports to the U.S. faced headwinds: automotive exports fell 15.9%, auto parts declined 10.3%, and semiconductor equipment dropped 26.7%, reflecting the impact of U.S. tariff policies.