Japan’s exports in July grew by 23.2% year-on-year, surpassing the expected 19.9%, and marking the fifth consecutive month of accelerated growth—the fastest pace since October 2022. This increase was mainly driven by AI-fueled demand, with semiconductor equipment exports surging by 49.1% year-on-year. Imports rose by 27.8% year-on-year, also exceeding expectations of 26.5%, reaching the highest level since November 2022. The trade deficit reached 634.5 billion yen, lower than the expected 680 b

Japan’s exports in July increased by 23.2% year-on-year, exceeding the expected 19.9% and marking the fifth consecutive month of accelerating growth—the fastest pace since October 2022. This growth was mainly driven by demand related to artificial intelligence, with exports of semiconductor equipment surging 49.1% year-on-year. Imports rose 27.8% compared to the same period last year, also higher than the predicted 26.5%, reaching the highest level since November 2022. The trade deficit stood at 634.5 billion yen, lower than the expected 680 billion yen but still above June’s 409.9 billion yen. The export value of semiconductor equipment grew by 49.1% year-on-year, reflecting the ongoing AI-driven demand boom. Driven by soaring oil prices amid the Iran war, oil imports jumped 87.8% year-on-year.