Economic Buzz: Japan?s trade gap nearly doubles to JPY 536.6 billion as oil imports surge

Japan?s trade deficit widened to JPY 536.6 billion in September 2026 from JPY 277.7 billion a year earlier, marking its fifth consecutive monthly shortfall as import growth outpaced exports. Imports climbed 18.9% year-on-year to JPY 11.51 trillion, with crude oil purchases surging 51.1% amid efforts to diversify energy supplies against the backdrop of Strait of Hormuz tensions. Meanwhile, exports rose 16.7% to JPY 10.97 trillion, offering only partial relief to the widening trade gap.

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