Japan logs its first trade surplus in five months in November

(MENAFN) Japan recorded its first trade surplus in five months in November, amounting to 322.3 billion yen ($2 billion), as exports to the United States rose for the first time in eight months, according to government data released Wednesday.

Overall exports increased 6.1% year-on-year to 9.71 trillion yen ($62.6 billion), marking the third consecutive monthly rise. The growth was supported by shipments of semiconductors and electronics parts to Asia, along with pharmaceutical exports to the US, the Finance Ministry reported.

Imports also rose for the third consecutive month, increasing 1.3% to 9.39 trillion yen ($60.5 billion), driven by engines from the EU and semiconductor chips from Asia, according to preliminary ministry data.

Exports to the US grew 8.8% to 1.82 trillion yen ($11.7 billion), with auto shipments climbing 1.5%—the first increase since March, prior to Japan’s industry tax hike. Economist Takafumi Fujita of the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute noted, “While the negative impact of the (US) tariffs has not been completely wiped out, November's US-bound auto exports offered a somewhat positive sign.”

Japan’s trade surplus with the US rose 11.3% to 739.8 billion yen ($4.7 billion), marking the first increase in seven months. Imports from the US climbed 7.1% to 1.08 trillion yen ($6.9 billion).

The improvement follows a July agreement between Tokyo and Washington to reduce US-imposed tariffs, with the revised rates taking effect in September.

MENAFN17122025000045017281ID1110490432