According to the Sina US Stock News on the 19th, Beijing time, the initial value of the January trade statistics (subject to customs clearance) released by Japan's Ministry of Finance on the 19th showed a trade balance deficit of 943.4 billion yen (about 56.3 billion yuan). This is the first time in 8 months that there has been a deficit. There was a trend where exports fell below normal levels in January due to the cessation of production activities, and there was also a deficit of 1,091.9 billion yen in the same period last year.

Export volume increased 12.2% year over year to 6,0856 billion yen. Vehicle and semiconductor manufacturing equipment for China is gaining momentum. On the other hand, imports increased 7.9% to 7,029 billion yen. Crude oil from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Australia increased due to rising resource prices.

Looking at countries and regions, the surplus with the US fell 12.3% to 349.6 billion yen. Automobile exports have declined, and imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have increased.

The trade deficit with China was 578.6 billion yen. Exports reached 1,160 billion yen, a record high in January, and the deficit was reduced. Allegedly, this year's Spring Festival holiday is later than previous years, and there may be a weak growth in exports to China in February.

There was also a trade deficit of 10.8 billion yen with the European Union (EU). Ireland's imports of pharmaceuticals and German cars increased, surpassing exports for the first time in 2 months. (End)