2020.01.2300:52:00UTC+00Japan Has Y152.5 Billion Trade Deficit In December

Japan posted a merchandise trade deficit of 152.5 billion yen in December, the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.

That narrowly beat forecasts for a shortfall of 152.6 billion yen following the 85.2 billion yen deficit in November.

Exports were down 6.3 percent on year, missing expectations for a drop of 4.3 percent following the 7.9 percent slide in the previous month.

Imports sank an annual 4.9 percent versus forecasts for a decline of 3.2 percent after tumbling 15.7 percent a month earlier.

The adjusted trade balance reflected a deficit of 102.5 billion yen.