Japan Logs 1.2-T.-Yen Trade Deficit in May

   Tokyo, June 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan posted a customs-cleared trade deficit of 1,221.3 billion yen in May as crude oil imports swelled due to higher resources prices and a weak yen, a government report showed Wednesday.
   The trade balance was in the red for the second consecutive month, according to the preliminary report by the Finance Ministry.
   Both imports and exports advanced as the average rate of the dollar against the yen stood at 155.48 yen for the month, up 14.9 pct from a year earlier.
   Imports climbed 9.5 pct to 9,497.9 billion yen, posting the second-highest level for May and increasing for the second consecutive month. The result was led by strong imports from the United Arab Emirates.
   Japan's total imports of petroleum products and crude oil rose 39.8 pct and 8.1 pct, respectively.

(2024/06/19-13:57)

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