Japan’s export growth slowed sharply in September
Japan's annual export growth crumbled last month, dragged down by shrinking sales in China and Asia, keeping pressure on economic policymakers who are due to meet later this month.
Ministry of Finance data released today showed exports rose just 0.6 per cent in the year to September, falling short of a 3.4 per cent growth forecast from economists polled by Reuters.
This was the weakest growth in more than a year, and comes after the prior month's 3.1 per cent gain.
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The disappointing figures will keep pressure on Bank of Japan policymakers who are meeting on October 30, to decide whether the country needs more monetary stimulus to help drive inflation and economic activity.
Exports to China fell 3.5 per cent in September due to light oil and car parts, while exports to Asia also slumped 0.9 per cent.
However exports to the United States and Europe rose around 10 per cent and 5.1 per cent respectively.