Economic Buzz: Japan posts biggest trade surplus since November

Japan recorded a trade surplus of JPY 301.9 billion in April 2026, reversing a deficit of JPY 149.5 billion a year earlier and marking the largest surplus since November. Exports surged 14.8% year-on-year to near-record levels, on strong demand from China, the U.S., ASEAN economies, and the EU. Meanwhile, imports rose 9.7%, extending gains for a third straight month, supported by government stimulus measures introduced in late 2025.

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