Statistical Overview
Results of the Trade Statistics (Preliminary Report) for early August, Reiwa 7, announced by the Ministry of Finance on August 28, 2025.
Key Figures
- Export Value: 3,184.8 billion yen (4.5% decrease compared to the same period last year)
- Import Value: 2,735.7 billion yen (16.1% decrease compared to the same period last year)
- Trade Balance: 449.2 billion yen surplus (from 74.8 billion yen in the same period last year → 497.3% increase)
Export Trends
Factors for Decrease:
- Increased uncertainty in the global economy
- Impact of US-China trade friction
- Adjustment phase in semiconductor-related sectors
Performance by Item:
- Automotive-related: 8.2% decrease year-on-year
- Information-related equipment: 6.7% decrease
- Capital goods: 2.1% increase (robust demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment)
Regional Trends:
- Exports to US: 12.3% decrease (reaction to rush demand before tariff increases)
- Exports to China: 9.8% decrease (progress in local manufacturers' in-house production)
- Exports to ASEAN: 15.4% increase (robust AI-related demand)
Import Trends
Factors for Significant Decrease:
- Decline in crude oil prices: 1,245.6 billion yen (28.4% decrease year-on-year)
- Decrease in LNG prices: 324.7 billion yen (31.2% decrease)
- Slowdown in yen depreciation, corporate inventory adjustments, restraint in personal consumption
Policy Implications
The significant expansion of trade surplus brings short-term economic boost effects from external demand, but in the medium to long term, maintaining a balance between export competitiveness and domestic demand expansion is important. Going forward, structural measures such as promoting digital and green growth strategies, strengthening supply chain resilience, and developing emerging market frontiers are required.