Japan’s exports and imports grow as yen weakens

Japan recorded a trade deficit of 406.9 billion yen in June 2026, driven by higher oil import costs amid a weak yen and rising global oil prices. Exports grew 19% to 10.9 trillion yen, while imports increased 25% to 11.3 trillion yen. Oil imports from the U.S. surged five-fold, and Japan's government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pursuing AI, defense, and robotics initiatives to stimulate the economy.