In August 2025, Japan experienced a 5.2% year-on-year reduction in imports, bringing them to a six-month low at JPY 8,667.7 billion. This decline marked the second consecutive monthly drop and exceeded market predictions of a 4.2% decrease. It was also the fifth instance of a decrease in imports this year, highlighting weak domestic demand and high input costs. This trend persisted despite government efforts to bolster consumption and control energy prices.