Japan's exports rose 16.7% YoY in September, driven by stronger chip and auto
shipments, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday, below economists' median
forecast of 21.3%. Imports rose 18.9% YoY versus a 20.4% forecast. The
non-seasonally-adjusted trade deficit narrowed to ¥536bn in September (about
$3.4bn) from a ¥1.1trn shortfall in August. Exports to the US climbed 22.9% YoY
and to the EU 10.5%. Crude import value surged 51% YoY as sustained high
international oil prices amid Middle East tensions lifted Japan's oil bill.