TOKYO, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Japan logged a record current account surplus of 17.51 trillion yen (about 114 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of fiscal 2025 (April-September 2025), up 14.1 percent from a year earlier, the Finance Ministry said Tuesday.
The gain marked the largest surplus for any half-year period since comparable data became available, driven by reduced energy import costs and strong investment income from overseas.
The current account, which reflects trade in goods and services as well as income from overseas investments, turned positive in trade while maintaining robust primary income gains.
The trade balance registered a surplus of 49.4 billion yen, reversing a deficit of 2.36 trillion yen in the same period last year. Imports fell 3.8 percent to 52.61 trillion yen, as purchases of crude oil and coal from the Middle East and Australia decreased.
Exports edged up 0.6 percent to 52.66 trillion yen, supported by strong shipments of semiconductors and electronic components to Asia. In contrast, automobile exports weakened due to U.S. tariff measures.
Primary income, which covers interest and dividend payments from overseas investments, rose 2.1 percent to 22.28 trillion yen, the highest ever for a half-year period, as some Japanese companies received large dividends from their overseas subsidiaries in September.
The services balance posted a deficit of 1.86 trillion yen, narrowing 11.3 percent from a year earlier. Travel income increased 7.0 percent to 3.31 trillion yen amid strong inbound tourism, helping to offset service sector losses. (1 yen equals 0.0065 U.S. dollars) ■
