Japan Incurs Trade Deficit of 5.3 T. Yen in 2024

   Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--Japan logged a customs-cleared trade deficit of 5,332.6 billion yen in 2024, incurring a deficit for the fourth straight year, the Finance Ministry said Thursday.
   Still, the deficit plunged from 9,522.1 billion yen in 2023, as exports hit the highest level since the start of comparable data in 1979 thanks to strong demand for semiconductor-making equipment and automobiles.
   Exports grew 6.2 pct from the previous year to 107,091.3 billion yen, led by brisk exports of chipmaking devices to China.
   Vehicle exports decreased 2.9 pct in volume but rose 3.7 pct in value on higher prices and the yen's weakness.
   Imports rose 1.8 pct to 112,423.8 billion yen. Personal computer imports from the United States grew, while coal and crude oil imports declined.

(2025/01/23-13:10)