FX.co ★ Japan Import Growth at Near 4-Year High

Japan's imports rose 28% year-on-year to JPY 11,153.9 billion in August 2026, following a slightly revised 27.9% increase in July. The figure surpassed market expectations of 26.3% and marked the fastest import growth since November 2022. The strong expansion was underpinned by robust domestic demand, supported by the government's stimulus measures introduced in late 2025. Crude oil imports surged 58.7% as Japan continued to diversify its energy purchases away from the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.