Japan’s exports accelerate in March on AI-related demand
Japan’s export growth picked up in March, helped by a rebound in China demand and AI-related shipments. Imports also rose, leaving the trade surplus below market expectations.
4/23/2026
Source: The Japan Times · https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/04/22/export-growth-quickens-march/
Exports posted a seventh straight monthly gain
Japan’s exports increased in March for a seventh consecutive month.
A recovery in demand from China helped support the overall result.
AI demand remains a key driver
Shipments linked to artificial intelligence continued to support export momentum.
That matters for companies watching equipment demand, supply-chain planning, and industrial investment in Japan.
Imports narrowed the trade benefit
Imports also climbed, which limited the improvement in the trade balance.
Energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty remain important risks for the months ahead.