April trade data shows Japan’s surplus surged to JPY 301.9 billion, beating forecasts and lifting the yen as exports hit near-record levels.
Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus of JPY 301.9 billion in April, reversing a JPY 149.5 billion deficit from a year earlier and exceeding expectations of a JPY 29.7 billion shortfall. The yen’s gains pushed USD/JPY to 158.90, extending losses for the pair.
Exports rose 14.8% year-on-year to JPY 10,507.3 billion, the fastest growth in three months, while imports climbed 9.7% to JPY 10,205.4 billion. The data surpassed consensus estimates, signaling resilience in external demand.
The US dollar remained steady but subdued amid stalled US-Iran negotiations and geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, capping further upside for USD/JPY.