MNI 5 THINGS: Japan Sep Exports See 1st Drop in 22 Months

     TOKYO (MNI) - Japanese exports posted a first year-on-year drop in 22

months in September, indicating declining global demand for Japanese goods due

to the international trade uncertainties, statistics released Thursday by the

Ministry of Finance showed.

     The key points from the data:

     - Japanese exports fell 1.2% on year in September, coming in lower than the

MNI median economist forecast for a 2.0% rise. It was the 1st year-on-year drop

since December in 2016. 

     - The drop showed weaker demands for Japanese cars, electronics and

machines globally.

     - Exports to the U.S. fell again, back into negative territory after edging

higher in August. Exports to the European Union marked a first drop in 20

months, and those to China shrank as well after posting six straight gains. 

     - Imports rose 7.0% on year in September, far below the MNI median forecast

of +13.3%. It was the sixth straight year-on-year rise after a 15.4% gain in

August, with September's gain led by higher energy prices.

     - The September trade balance came to a surplus of Y139.6 billion, beating

the MNI median forecast for a Y28.7 billion surplus. It was the first surplus in

three months after a deficit of Y438.4 billion in August.

--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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