Japan exports surge 16.8 percent in January as trade deficit narrows
Japan's exports rose for a fifth straight month in January with a 16.8 percent jump that beat expectations. The trade deficit narrowed to 1.15 trillion yen.
Japan 
JP's Ministry of Finance reported on February 17, 2026, that January exports rose 16.8 percent year-on-year, while imports fell 2.5 percent, resulting in a trade deficit of 1.15 trillion yen. The export growth exceeded the 12 percent increase expected in a Reuters poll, while the decline in imports contrasted with a forecast of a 3 percent increase. Consequently, the reported trade deficit was significantly narrower than the 2.14 trillion yen deficit anticipated by economists.
JP's Ministry of Finance reported on February 17, 2026, that January exports rose 16.8 percent year-on-year, while imports fell 2.5 percent, resulting in a trade deficit of 1.15 trillion yen. The export growth exceeded the 12 percent increase expected in a Reuters poll, while the decline in imports contrasted with a forecast of a 3 percent increase. Consequently, the reported trade deficit was significantly narrower than the 2.14 trillion yen deficit anticipated by economists.
