Japan export growth slows as external demand moderates

Japan's export growth slowed while posting a ninth straight advance, an outcome underscoring the uneven state of the economic recovery.

Exports increased 5.6 per cent in August from a year ago, decelerating from 10.2 per cent in the previous month, Japan's Ministry of Finance reported on Sept 18. The result, which missed the 10.6 per cent consensus estimate from economists, was driven by a 9.9 per cent decline in car exports, with shipments of construction and mining machinery also falling.

Imports climbed 2.3 per cent, falling short of the 15 per cent gain forecast by economists. The trade deficit widened to ¥695.3 billion (S$6.35 billion).