Japan’s imports rebounded in April as the weak yen boosted their value, pushing the nation’s trade balance into deficit and highlighting the increasing economic burden stemming from the currency’s plunge.
Imports gained 8.3% from a year ago, the Finance Ministry reported Wednesday, compared with the consensus estimate of an 8.9% increase. The trade balance registered a ¥462.5 billion ($3 billion) deficit, flipping from a ¥387 billion surplus.
Exports advanced 8.3%, compared with the consensus of an 11% increase.