Japan Exports Surprisingly Weak on Stronger Yen, Trade War Fears

Japan’s trade balance remained in surplus in March, but the increase in exports was less than expected, with sales to the U.S. and EU nearly flat.

The unexpectedly weak growth in exports suggests that while the global economy is growing, concerns about a brewing trade war may be hurting sentiment. Exports to China recovered after a decline in February but imports fell due to the lingering effects of factory shutdowns over the lunar new year.