Japan's export growth rate eased to 5.1% year-over-year in December 2025, down from the previous month's rate of 6.1%, according to the latest data updated on 21 January 2026. The slowdown reflects cooling global demand as major economies face headwinds, impacting Japan's trade performance during the end of the year.
The decline in the export growth rate in December is a continuation of the trend observed in November 2025, where exports had already started losing momentum as geopolitical uncertainties and economic pressures weighed on international trade. These factors have contributed to a gradual deceleration of Japan's once-robust export growth, necessitating a strategic review by Japanese exporters.
Economists suggest that the decline in export growth could prompt Japanese policymakers to consider measures to bolster trade competitiveness and support domestic industries as they navigate the complexities of a shifting global economic landscape. With the changing dynamics, Japan will need to recalibrate its strategies to maintain its position in the global market while managing the challenges of fluctuating global demand.