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Japan's exports expand 11.7% in March on brisk demand, higher prices

Japan's exports expand 11.7% in March on brisk demand, higher prices

TOKYO, April 22 (Reuters) - Japan's exports rose for a seventh straight month, data showed on Wednesday, boosted by solid global demand and rising prices and for now defying any major impact from disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

BOJ warns prolonged Mideast tensions could raise costs, corporate defaults

BOJ warns prolonged Mideast tensions could raise costs, corporate defaults

By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO, April 21 (Reuters) - Japan needs to be vigilant against risks to its financial system stemming from developments in the Middle East, the central bank said on Tuesday, warning that prolonged tensions could keep energy costs elevated and increase corporate defaults.

Japan's Export Growth Surges 11.7% in March Amid Global Demand and Rising Prices

Japan's Export Growth Surges 11.7% in March Amid Global Demand and Rising Prices

Japan's exports increased by 11.7% year-on-year in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. This rise was driven by strong global demand and higher prices, despite potential disruptions from Middle East conflicts. Exports to the United States grew by 3.4%, while exports to China saw a significant increase of 17.7%. Imports also rose by 10.9%, leading to a trade surplus of 667 billion yen ($4.18 billion), although this was below the forecasted surplus of 1.1 trillion yen. The Japanese economy continues to show signs of recovery, supported by business investment and resilient exports, although challenges such as rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions remain.

Japan's Exports Surge 11.7% in March Amid Global Demand and Price Increases

Japan's Exports Surge 11.7% in March Amid Global Demand and Price Increases

Japan's exports have increased by 11.7% in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. This rise is attributed to strong global demand and higher prices, despite disruptions from Middle East conflicts. Exports to the United States grew by 3.4%, while exports to China saw a 17.7% increase. Imports also rose by 10.9%, resulting in a trade surplus of 667 billion yen. The Japanese economy continues to recover modestly, supported by firm business investment and resilient exports, although external challenges such as rising energy prices pose risks.

Japan records 5th straight fiscal year of trade deficits as Trump's tariffs hit auto exports

Japan records 5th straight fiscal year of trade deficits as Trump's tariffs hit auto exports

Japan has reported a trade deficit of $10.7 billion for the fiscal year that ended in March, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies hit auto exports

MUFG Bank seeks financing partners to share buyout risk, CEO says

MUFG Bank seeks financing partners to share buyout risk, CEO says

By Anton Bridge and Miho Uranaka TOKYO, April 22 (Reuters) - Japan's largest lender, MUFG Bank, is seeking partners such as life and non-life insurers to share risk as it increases financing beyond traditional loans for large corporate deals including leveraged buyouts, its chief executive said.

Waiting for 'safe and sustainable' strait crossings, top shipping execs say

Waiting for 'safe and sustainable' strait crossings, top shipping execs say

By Florence Tan and Siyi Liu SINGAPORE, April 22 (Reuters) - Safe and sustainable passage through the Strait of Hormuz is what top shipping companies require before the world's sees much oil or cargo leave or enter the Gulf, two top sector executives said on Wednesday.

German economy likely grew in Q1 but Iran war weighs on outlook, Bundesbank says

German economy likely grew in Q1 but Iran war weighs on outlook, Bundesbank says

FRANKFURT, April 22 (Reuters) - The German economy grew at a modest pace in the first quarter on healthy industrial and services output but higher energy prices and the uncertainty over the Iran war will likely weigh on the current quarter, the Bundesbank said on Wednesday.

Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules

By Tim Kelly TOKYO, April 21 (Reuters) - Japan on Tuesday unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.

Japan households' inflation expectations steady, BOJ April hike bets fade

Japan households' inflation expectations steady, BOJ April hike bets fade

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, April 20 (Reuters) - Most Japanese households expect prices to continue rising in the coming years, a quarterly survey showed on Monday, keeping pressure on the central bank to proceed with further interest rate hikes.

China leaves lending benchmarks unchanged for 11th month in April

China leaves lending benchmarks unchanged for 11th month in April

SHANGHAI, April 20 (Reuters) - China on Monday left benchmark loan prime rates (LPRs) unchanged for the 11th consecutive month in April, in line with market expectations.

China warns against joint US, Philippines and Japan drills eroding regional trust

China warns against joint US, Philippines and Japan drills eroding regional trust

BEIJING, April 20 (Reuters) - China on Monday warned against military cooperation that could undermine trust and deepen division in the region, as the United States and the Philippines begin annual military exercises with expanded participation from Japan.