Japan's trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low in December but the whole year shortfall was the biggest on record, official data revealed Thursday.
Exports increased 11.5 percent on a yearly basis in December, slower than the 20.0 percent rise in November, the Ministry of Finance reported. The annual growth was forecast to slow more markedly to 10.1 percent.
Similarly, growth in imports eased to 20.6 percent from 30.3 percent in the previous month. Economists had forecast a faster growth of 22.4 percent.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.