Japan Exports Jump 14.8% in April as Semiconductor Shipments Surge 41.6%

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 21

Japan’s exports rose 14.8% year on year in April, the fastest pace since January and well above the 9.3% Reuters forecast.
Semiconductor shipments drove the gain, soaring 41.6%, while a weak yen continued to support overseas sales even as authorities have tried to steady the currency.
Imports increased 9.7% versus an expected 8.3%, narrowing the trade deficit to 301.9 billion yen from 643 billion yen in March.
Exports to China climbed 15.5% and shipments to the U.S. rose 9.5%, underscoring broad external demand.
The data reinforce net exports as a key growth engine after Japan reported 0.5% quarterly GDP growth, while attention shifts to Friday’s April core inflation reading.

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