FX.co ★ Japan Has Y224.038 Billion Trade Surplus

Japan reported a merchandise trade surplus of 224.038 billion yen in June, according to the Ministry of Finance on Thursday. This surpasses expectations, as forecasters had anticipated a deficit of 240.0 billion yen, especially when compared to the significant shortfall of 1,220.1 billion yen recorded in May.

Exports increased by 5.4 percent year-on-year, reaching 9.208 trillion yen. This rise, however, fell short of the predicted 6.4 percent increase and was a decrease from the 13.5 percent growth seen in the prior month.

On the import side, there was a 3.2 percent annual increase, amounting to 8.984 trillion yen. This was also below the expected 9.3 percent gain and marked a decline from the previous month's growth rate of 9.5 percent.