Japan’s Exports Rise as Weak Yen Helps Ahead of BOJ Meet #JapanFinance

(Bloomberg) — Japan’s exports posted another gain in November as the yen’s weakness helped exporters, although the underlying trend in trade remained lackluster ahead of this week’s Bank of Japan meeting.

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Exports measured in value rose 3.8% from a year ago led by chip-making machinery and non-ferrous metals while cars dragged on shipments, the Ministry of Finance reported Wednesday. That beat the consensus estimate of a 2.5% increase. Imports fell 3.8% led by crude oil, but still left a negative trade balance of ¥117.6 billion.

While the value of exports rose, trade is giving limited support overall to the Japanese economy. Demand in the US and Europe continued to wane while it rose in China, where the government is trying to support growth with aggressive stimulus measures. Measured in volume, exports were barely changed.

Shipments to the US declined 8% led by cars and medicine, and those to Europe sank 12.5% also led by autos, the report showed. Shipments to China rose 4.1%.

“A drop in auto exports is keeping a lid on overall exports because it’s such a major sector for Japan,” said Takeshi Minami, economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. “The global economy is not stalling or accelerating, making it hard for overall exports to increase.”

Overall, Wednesday’s data showed the trade balance stayed negative for a fifth consecutive month, suggesting that broader trade conditions are likely to keep weighing on the economy in the final quarter. Net trade was also a drag on the economy in the three months ended September.

The yen averaged 152.83 per dollar in November, 1.7% weaker than a year ago, the report said. A weaker yen tends to help exporters become more competitive as it inflates their overseas earnings when brought home.

The Bank of Japan said at the end of October that the impact of imported inflation is expected to wane while underlying inflation is set to rise moderately with a link between wages and prices intensifying. The central bank will be making its latest policy decision on Thursday.

Going forward, like other nations, Japan faces growing uncertainties over global trade with the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January. The US President-elect has pledged extra tariffs against China, Mexico and Canada after winning the election in November. During his campaign he also floated an idea of universal tariffs on all goods coming from abroad, including from Japan.

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