Japan's exports increased 11.9% in January, driven by vehicles, auto parts, and machinery, reducing the trade deficit to 1.76 trillion yen ($12 billion).

Japan's exports surged 11.9% in January, driven by robust demand for vehicles, auto parts, and machinery, reducing the trade deficit to 1.76 trillion yen ($12 billion). Imports declined 9.6% from the previous year, with the biggest declines in oil, natural gas, and iron ore imports. This marked the second straight month of growth for Japan's exports, which reached 7.3 trillion yen ($48 billion), exceeding expectations.