Archive for the ‘Japan’ Category

International Trade, Japan, News

July 18, 2024

Recent trade statistics from Japan indicate slower-than-expected growth in both exports and imports during June, reflecting ongoing economic complexities both at home and abroad. In June, Japanese exports rose by 5.4% year-on-year, below the forecasted 6.4% growth and a deceleration from the 13.5% increase seen in the previous month. Similarly, imports grew by 3.2% year-on-year, […]

In a bid to secure stable, long-term supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), resource-scarce Japan has deepened its partnerships with close allies Australia and the United States. This strategic move comes as key contracts from various providers are set to expire by the early 2030s. Last month, JERA, Japan’s leading power generator, finalized an agreement […]

International Trade, Japan, News

March 6, 2024

In a commitment to bolster inclusive global trade, Japan pledges EUR 115,000 (about CHF 108,000) to the WTO’s Global Trust Fund for 2024, aiming to support training programs for government officials from developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs).   This contribution underscores Japan’s dedication to enhancing the trade-related capabilities of developing nations, enabling them to […]

International Trade, Japan, News

February 21, 2024

In January, Japan experienced a remarkable surge in exports to China, marking a 29.2 percent increase year-on-year, according to reports from Japanese media outlet Nikkei. This surge played a significant role in Japan’s overall export growth for the month, underscoring the robust economic ties between the two nations.   The substantial rise in exports reflects […]

International Trade, Japan, News

February 21, 2024

In a positive development for Japan’s economy, January’s export figures surpassed expectations, driven by strong shipments of automobiles and automotive parts to the United States, along with increased demand for chip-making equipment from China. According to Ministry of Finance data released on Wednesday, exports grew by 11.9% compared to the same period last year, outpacing […]

Japan, News, Trade Relations, Ukrain

February 19, 2024

In a bid to bolster economic cooperation, Japan and Ukraine have embarked on negotiations for an investment treaty, signaling a new chapter in their bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan welcomed Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal in Tokyo, where they discussed avenues for deepening ties and fostering mutual prosperity.   During the meeting, Prime […]

Japan, News, Technology

February 5, 2024

The Japanese Ministry of Industry announced on Tuesday its intention to extend subsidies amounting to 242.9 billion yen ($1.64 billion) to support efforts to expand memory chip production in Mie and Iwate prefectures.   This financial support serves as a lifeline for companies facing challenges due to a downturn in the NAND flash chip market. […]

Energy Trade, Japan, News, Saudi Arabia

February 1, 2024

Japan has consistently maintained a substantial share of its crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia, accounting for about 44 percent of its total oil requirements, totaling approximately 36.28 million barrels. This information, sourced from the Agency of Natural Resources and Energy within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, underscores Saudi Arabia’s reliability as a […]

Automotive Industry, China, Japan, News

January 31, 2024

In a significant industry development, China has officially taken the crown as the world’s largest vehicle exporter in 2023, surpassing Japan, according to data released by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).   The remarkable growth of China’s auto sector in recent years can be attributed to substantial investments in electric vehicles (EVs), a domain […]

Indonesia, International Trade, Japan, News

January 25, 2024

Japan and Indonesia have reached an agreement to remove trade barriers and enhance cooperation across various sectors, as announced by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.   This development follows a bilateral meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Tokyo on December 16, 2023, during which the two leaders discussed […]

China, International Trade, Japan, News

January 24, 2024

In a positive turn of events, Japan’s exports witnessed a remarkable surge of nearly 10% in December compared to the previous year. This substantial growth was attributed to a revival in trade with China and a robust demand for vehicles, machinery, and computer chips.   Preliminary customs data released on Wednesday revealed a notable trade […]

Japan, News

January 11, 2024

In a remarkable economic feat, Japan has reported a second consecutive month of record current account surpluses, showcasing its resilience in the face of global economic challenges. The November data revealed a surplus of 1.93 trillion yen ($13.31 billion), marking a historic high for the month and underscoring Japan’s economic prowess.   The positive development […]

Brazil, International Trade, Japan, News

January 10, 2024

In a recent development, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva engaged in discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, exploring the prospects of a trade agreement between Japan and the South American bloc Mercosur, as reported by the Brazilian government.   During a phone conversation, Lula and Kishida delved into the reinforcement of trade […]

In a significant diplomatic development, South Korea and Japan are set to engage in high-level economic talks for the first time in eight years, highlighting a positive shift in their relations. This move comes as both nations increasingly find themselves aligned on shared geopolitical concerns.   The talks, initially initiated in 1999, had been stalled […]