TOKYO — Japan’s exports to the United States declined nearly 2% in April as tariff hikes imposed by President Donald Trump reduced shipments to its largest trading partner, according to Japan’s Finance Ministry.
Overall, Japan’s exports rose 2% year-over-year but slowed from a 4% increase in March. Imports fell 2.2%, resulting in a trade deficit of 115.8 billion yen ($804 million) for the month—Japan’s first trade deficit in three months.
Imports from the United States dropped by more than 11%, while exports of Japanese vehicles to the U.S. fell nearly 6% compared to April 2024. The U.S. has continued to enforce a 25% tariff on automobile imports and has maintained higher tariffs on steel and aluminum, although some of those duties have recently been eased.
A stronger yen also impacted export values. The Japanese currency has appreciated to approximately 144 per U.S. dollar, compared to about 155 a year ago, reducing the yen-denominated value of overseas sales.
The Finance Ministry noted that Japanese businesses had previously accelerated exports to the U.S. to get ahead of the tariffs, which have been implemented gradually since the beginning of Trump’s second term.
Japan’s economy contracted by 0.7% in the last quarter, and slowing exports are putting additional pressure on economic recovery. Although U.S. trade has weakened, shipments to Southeast Asia have shown signs of expansion.
Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who leads Japan’s tariff negotiations, is expected to travel to the U.S. for a third round of talks over the weekend.
