Japan’s exports and imports both rose in September, driven by stronger trade with Asian markets even as U.S.-bound shipments declined under President Donald Trump’s tariff regime, government data showed Wednesday.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance, exports increased 4.2% year-on-year last month, supported by a 9.2% jump in shipments to Asia. Exports to China, Japan’s largest trading partner, climbed 5.8%, while exports to the U.S. plunged 13.3% — marking the sixth consecutive month of decline.

Auto exports to the U.S. were hit particularly hard, tumbling 24.2% in September. Japan’s automotive sector, led by manufacturers such as Toyota Motor Corp., remains a cornerstone of the national economy.

Imports also edged up 3.3% overall, including a 6% rise in imports from Asia and a 9.8% increase in goods coming from China.

The trade figures were released a day after Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister following a parliamentary vote. Known for her conservative stance and advocacy for higher public spending, Takaichi has pledged to boost wages and maintain an accommodative monetary policy to support economic growth.

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A weaker yen under such policies would benefit Japan’s major exporters by inflating overseas earnings when converted into domestic currency.

However, Takaichi faces political challenges, as her ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partners lack a majority in both houses of parliament.

President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Japan later this month for talks with Takaichi, announced a new trade framework in July imposing a 15% tariff on Japanese goods — down from a previously proposed 25%. In return, Japan agreed to invest $550 billion in the U.S. and open its markets further to American cars and rice.

Source: AP