Japan saw a current account surplus of 303.5 billion yen in December, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday, down 74.7 percent on year.
That was well shy of forecasts for a surplus of 340.1 billion yen and a 71.2 percent annual contraction. It also follows the 138.5 billion yen surplus and the 85.5 percent decline on year in November.
The trade balance reflected a deficit of 145.8 billion yen - also missing forecasts for a shortfall of 135.0 billion yen following the 585.1 billion yen deficit in the previous month.
Exports were down 7.0 percent on year to 5.443 trillion yen, while imports climbed 9.8 percent on year to 5.689 trillion yen.
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