MNI 5 THINGS: Japan Nov Exports Slow, Deficit Expands

--Japan Exports Up 0.1% Y/Y In November Vs October's 8.2

     TOKYO (MNI) - Japanese exports slowed sharply in November, surprising

analysts, with the slowdown led by weak demand globally, data released Wednesday

by the Ministry of Finance showed.

     The key points from the data:

     - Japanese exports rose 0.1% on year in November, failing to meet an MNI

median economist forecast for a 1.2% rise. However, it was the 2nd straight

monthly year-on-year rise after September's drop. 

     - BOJ officials maintain their cautious outlook for Japanese exports amid

lingering global trade frictions.

     - Exports to the U.S. decelerated to 1.6% in November, down from last

month's 11.6%. Exports to the European Union fell to 3.9% from October's 7.7%,

and those to China contracted as well, reporting just a 0.4% increase. 

     - Imports rose 12.5% on year in November, stronger than the MNI median

forecast of 11.8%. It was the seventh straight year-on-year rise after a 15.4%

gain in August.

     - November's trade deficit expanded to Y737.3 billion from October's Y450.1

billion, faster than the MNI median forecast for a Y644.5 billion deficit. It

was the second deficit in three months after a surplus of Y126.5 billion in

September.

--MNI Beijing Bureau; tel: +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: flora.guo@marketnews.com

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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