Japan's exports rose for a ninth consecutive month in November, led by car shipments to the United States and China, a sign the weak yen and a recovery in global demand are energizing a major growth driver in the world's third-biggest economy.
The 18.4 percent rise roughly matched the median estimate of a 17.9 percent increase from a Reuters poll of economists, and followed an 18.6 percent gain in October, Ministry of Finance data showed on Wednesday.The weak yen, however, also inflated the cost of imported fuels resulting in a widening trade gap.
The persistent trade deficit could be a source of concern for Japanese policymakers who had hoped a weakening currency would be more of a boon for the economy by making Japanese goods cheaper overseas.
While the yen has fallen around 16 percent against the dollar this year, export growth has largely fallen short of early expectations, falling 0.2 percent in November from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Source: NewsOnJapan
The persistent trade deficit could be a source of concern for Japanese policymakers who had hoped a weakening currency would be more of a boon for the economy by making Japanese goods cheaper overseas.
While the yen has fallen around 16 percent against the dollar this year, export growth has largely fallen short of early expectations, falling 0.2 percent in November from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Source: NewsOnJapan
