Analytical Significance and Basic Concepts of Real Import-Export Data To ensure consistency with real GDP analysis, it is crucial to understand import-export trends on a real value basis, excluding the effects of price fluctuations. Particularly for real exports, analyzing detailed movements by region and commodity enables a more multifaceted understanding of Japan's export trends. This provides more precise information for monetary policy decisions and economic analysis.
Detailed Data Creation and Publication System The Research and Statistics Department of the Bank of Japan regularly creates and publishes two series of data. First, real import-export data (main series) is regularly created and published, in principle, at 14:00 on the day of the Ministry of Finance's "Trade Statistics (Preliminary)" publication. Second, trial results for real exports by region and commodity (reference series) are created and published, in principle, at 14:00 three business days later. However, delays may occur due to operational circumstances.
Latest Revision and Review Status On August 20, 2025, "Data (Main Series)" was updated and provided in XLSX format (36KB). Additionally, on July 23, 2025, "Charts" (PDF format 106KB) and "Data (Reference Series)" (XLSX format 73KB) were updated. As an important review, "Partial Review and Retroactive Revision of Real Import-Export" was published on July 23, 2025, implementing analytical methodology improvements. Furthermore, "Seasonal Adjustment Replacement for Real Import-Export" was implemented on April 17, 2025, making adjustments to more appropriately remove seasonal variation effects.
Data Reliability Assurance and Revision Policy These data may be subject to subsequent revisions due to revisions in statistics used for creation, benchmark changes, annual corrections, etc. Additionally, creation methods may be changed as needed for economic situation analysis, and users are required to pay sufficient attention to these points. Prior consultation with the Bank of Japan's Research and Statistics Department is required for commercial use of reproduction or copying, and source attribution is mandatory when citing, reproducing, or copying.
Academic Foundation and Enhanced Explanatory Materials Regarding specific creation methods for real import-export data, detailed explanatory materials are provided, including "Commentary on Real Import-Export Trends" and "Review of Real Import-Export and Key Points for Utilization" by Yorozuya, Shibasaki, Nagata, and Azuma (Bank of Japan Research Paper, April 2017), ensuring transparency of analytical methods and academic validity.
The article demonstrates that the Bank of Japan contributes to improving the accuracy of economic analysis through high transparency and continuous improvement in the creation and provision of real import-export data essential for monetary policy operations.