TOKYO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Japan recorded a trade deficit of 2.7588 trillion yen (about 18.2 billion U.S. dollars) in January, marking a return to deficit after two months of surplus, official data showed Wednesday.
The trade shortfall widened by 56.2 percent compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance.
Imports surged 16.7 percent year-on-year to 10.6225 trillion yen, while exports increased 7.2 percent to 7.8637 trillion. Notably, automobile exports to the United States grew 21.8 percent.
January's trade balance is often affected by China's Lunar New Year holidays, which disrupt logistics and factory operations, leading to lower exports from Japan.
At the same time, imports from China tend to rise as businesses stock up before the holiday, contributing to the seasonal trade deficit. ■
