In June 2025, Japan's trade surplus decreased to JPY 153.1 billion from JPY 221.3 billion in the same month the previous year, not meeting the market forecast of a JPY 353.9 billion surplus. Exports saw a 0.5% decline year-over-year to JPY 9,162.6 billion. This represents the second consecutive monthly decrease and contrasts with the predicted 0.5% increase, attributed to heightened U.S. tariffs negatively impacting international demand. In contrast, imports rose by 0.2% to JPY 9,009.5 billion, marking the first upswing in three months and surpassing the anticipated 1.6% decrease. This growth in imports was fueled by government initiatives designed to strengthen domestic demand among households and businesses.