TOKYO, Jun 9 (NNN-NHK) – Japan’s current account surplus in Apr, expanded 3.2 percent from a year earlier to, 2.26 trillion yen (about 15.6 billion U.S. dollars), driven by a smaller trade deficit, data from the Ministry of Finance showed, today.
The trade balance showed a deficit of 32.8 billion yen, marking a significant contraction of 94.8 percent, as exports grew 4.0 percent from a year earlier to 8.77 trillion yen, while imports shrank 2.9 percent to 8.80 trillion yen, according to the ministry’s preliminary report.
Primary income, which reflects how much Japan earns from overseas investments, fell 9.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.59 trillion yen, led by a fall in earnings from direct investments, due to a stronger yen.
Among other key components, Japan’s services trade deficit rose 4.8 percent to 768.1 billion yen, on the back of increased payments for intellectual property rights.
The travel surplus climbed 18.3 percent to 675.7 billion yen, with the number of foreign visitors to the country gaining 28.5 percent from a year earlier, to around 3.91 million. (1 yen equals 0.0069 U.S. dollar)– NNN-NHK
