According to the organization, the increase in the cost of energy resources in the global market, the increase in import costs and the depreciation of the yen are the main aspects affecting the trade imbalance in Japan.

Despite the unfavorable context, foreign purchases registered a year-on-year growth of 53.5 percent, mainly of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and coal, according to the report.

Although insufficient to achieve the desired balance, exports rose 25.3 percent, thanks to high international demand for Japanese automobiles and electronic components.

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