Exports of containerized shipments from Japan to China fell 5.5% from a year earlier to 530,644 tonnes in January, suffering a year-on-year decrease for 11 months in a row and setting the lowest monthly record, according to the Japan Maritime Center (JMC).
Trade statistics unveiled by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) of Japan said that declines in wastepaper, auto parts and components, and other commodities were contributing factors. In terms of value, they amounted to ¥459.2 billion (US$ 4.2 billion), which represents a 0.6% drop, registering the first year-on-year shrinkage in two months.
Imports from China to Japan, meanwhile, diminished 1.1% to 2,022,172tonnes, incurring a year-on-year contraction for the fourth consecutive month. On a value scale, they waned 0.3% to ¥1.269 trillion (US$ 11.6 billion), decreasing year on year for six months running.
Source: Japan International Freight Forwarders Association