Japan's exports rose for the eighth straight month in April, up 14.8% year-on-year, reflecting resilient global demand despite disruptions from the US-Israeli war with Iran.
The figure surpassed market expectations of a 9.3% increase, following a revised 11.5% jump in March. Exports to the US grew 9.5%, while those to China surged 15.5%.
Imports rose 9.7% year-on-year, missing estimates of 8.3%, despite a 64% plunge in crude oil imports. However, increased crude oil imports from the US offset part of the decline.
Japan posted a trade surplus of 301.9 billion yen ($1.90 billion), compared with a forecast deficit of 29.7 billion yen.
While the Strait of Hormuz closure boosted energy costs, Japan's large strategic oil reserves supported production. Prolonged disruptions could weigh on trade by raising costs and slowing global demand.
