Japan’s Apr chemical exports rise 4.9%; overall shipments up 2.0%

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Japan’s overall chemical exports rose by 4.9% year on year to yen (Y) 1.05 trillion in April, even as automobiles and other imports to the US slipped amid US tariffs, official data showed on Wednesday.

Exports of medical products, categorized broadly under the chemicals segment, rose by 13.2% year on year to Y119.1 billion, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a statement.

Overseas shipments of organic chemicals fell 3.0% year on year to Y177.8 billion in April, while exports of plastic materials rose by 4.9% to Y298 billion.

By volume, shipments of plastic materials fell by 2.9% year on year to 451,274 tonnes.

Japan’s total exports rose by 2% year on year to Y9.16 trillion in April, while imports slipped by 2.2% to Y9.27 trillion.

This resulted in a trade deficit of Y115.8 billion.

By destination, total exports to the US – the country’s largest export destination – fell by 1.8% year on year in April, while overall shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were up by 1.9%.

Japan’s overall exports to China declined by 0.6% year on year in April, and shipments to the EU fell by 5.2% year on year.

Sweeping US tariffs, which include a 25% tariff on automobiles, steel and aluminium, and a further 10% baseline tariff rate on most countries, have spooked Japan, an automobile powerhouse.

Japan also faces further 24% “reciprocal” tariffs beginning in July unless it can negotiate a trade deal with the US.