Japan trade balance for August Y 248.3bn

• expected Y -15.0bn, prior Y 10.9bn

Trade balance adjusted Y 650.6bn

• expected Y 23.3bn, prior Y -34.8bn

Exports -14.8% y/y

• expected -16.1% y/y, prior -19.2%

Imports -20.8% y/y

• expected -17.8% y/y, prior -22.3%

Exports fell but not by as much as expected. Imports fell by more than expected. Net result is a trade surplus, a deficit was expected.