TOKYO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan's exports to the United States fell 10.1 percent in July from a year earlier, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline, the country's finance ministry said Wednesday.
The steep drop was led by a sharp fall in auto shipments, reflecting the impact of U.S. tariff measures.
Auto exports to the United States plunged 28.4 percent, while shipments of auto parts fell 17.4 percent, both hit by higher tariffs.
Japan's overall exports fell 2.6 percent to 9.36 trillion yen (about 6.31 million U.S. dollars), declining for the third straight month. Imports dropped 7.5 percent to 9.48 trillion yen, reflecting lower crude oil, coal, and LNG costs amid falling global energy prices and a stronger yen.
The country's trade balance posted a deficit of 117.5 billion yen last month, the first in two months, the data showed. (1 Japanese yen equals 0.007 U.S. dollars) ■