Japan Imports Rise Slightly Less than Expected

Japan’s imports rose 12.5% yoy to JPY 9,890.2 billion in May 2026, accelerating from April’s 9.8% gain but falling short of market expectations of 12.8%. It was the fourth straight month of growth and the strongest pace since January 2025, boosted by strong domestic demand following the government’s late-2025 stimulus measures. Imports grew from China (13.7%), the U.S. (26.0%), Taiwan (43.2%), South Korea (26.0%), ASEAN (28.3%), and the EU (4.7%), while purchases fell from Hong Kong (-3.0%) and the Middle East (-42.7%). Imports rose for electrical machinery (31.5%), led by chips, machinery (20.4%), manufactured goods (13.6%), chemicals (14.9%), transport equipment (9.9%), and other goods (6.5%). In contrast, crude oil imports plunged 28.5% as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East conflict disrupted shipments. Looking ahead, a weaker yen could fuel imported inflation, eroding household purchasing power and raising costs for businesses reliant on imported inputs.

الربح
الجميع يسارعون إلى خفض التكاليف. أما نحن، فنسرع نحو تحقيق الأرباح.
ابدأ البيع من خلال تقديم الخدمات





