MNI BRIEF: Japan Sept Exports Post First Rise in Three Months

Japan's September exports posted their first y/y rise in three months, up 4.3% following August's 0.8% fall, driven by solid automobile and their parts exports, Ministry of Finance data showed on Thursday.

Auto parts exports rose 12% in September, up from the 1.1% decline the previous month, however automobile exports slowed to a 26.9% gain from August's 40.9% increase, indicating demand is recovering as supply-side restrictions ease.

Imports fell 16.3% y/y in September following August's 17.7% fall, the sixth straight drop.

Japan posted a trade surplus of JPY62.4 billion, its first surplus in three months following the JPY937.8 billion deficit in August.

Exports to China, Japan's largest trading partner, fell 6.2% in September for the 10th straight drop following the 11.0% fall in August.

Exports to the U.S. rose 13.0% for the 24th straight rise following 5.1% gain in August. Exports of automobiles to the U.S. rose 34.0% against August's 51.0% rise.