(Update) Japan Logs Trade Surplus in April-Sept.

Tokyo, Oct. 19 (Jiji Press)--Japan logged a customs-cleared trade surplus for the fourth straight fiscal half-year period in April-September, though down from a year before, the Finance Ministry said Thursday. The surplus fell 20.3 pct to 1,919 billion yen as imports grew at a faster pace than exports, the ministry said in a preliminary report. Imports gained 15.3 pct to 36,454.9 billion yen due mainly to higher prices for commodities such as coal and liquefied natural gas. Exports increased 12.8 pct to 38,373.8 billion yen, led by vehicle exports to the United States. In trade with the United States, Japan's surplus rose 8.7 pct to 3,383.8 billion yen, marking the first increase in three half-year periods. Exports to the United States climbed 10.6 pct, the first rise in four half-year periods, driven up by increased auto and auto parts shipments. Imports rose 12.1 pct, led by LNG and aircraft engines. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with his country's chronic trade imbalance with Japan. A ministry official said the larger surplus was because of increased exports of auto parts for local vehicle production in addition to finished vehicles. In trade with China, Japan's exports went up 21.7 pct to 7,267.1 billion yen, a record high on a fiscal half-year basis, led by growth in liquid crystal display devices and auto parts. For September alone, Japan logged an overall trade surplus of 670.2 billion yen, the fourth consecutive month of black ink.Copyright JIJI PRESS LTD.