Japan’s Imports, Exports Hit Record Highs in July
Faizan Hashmi
Published August 20, 2026 | 12:45 PM
TOKYO, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 20th Aug, 2026)
Japan’s imports hit a monthly record in July as elevated oil prices drove up energy costs and inflationary pressures. While exports also climbed to an all-time high on a weaker Yen and robust semiconductor-related demand.
Key Points:
- Imports: Total imports by value grew 27.8% from a year earlier to 12.1 trillion yen ($76.39 billion), exceeding market forecasts for a 26.5% increase.
- Oil Import Surge: Crude oil import volumes rose 5.5% from a year before, the first increase in four months.
- Exports: Exports surged 23.2% year-on-year to a record 11.5 trillion yen, surpassing a median market forecast of 19.9% growth. This follows a 19.3% rise in June, driven by strong demand for AI-related data centers.
- Competitive Prices: The yen’s sharp falls have also made the price of Japanese goods more competitive for overseas buyers.