Japan’s exports rose 5.1% year-on-year to a record JPY 10,411.5 billion in December 2025, marking a fourth straight monthly increase amid solid year-end foreign demand, a weaker yen, and the impact of U.S. tariffs proving milder than initially expected. However, the latest result was below November's growth figure and market forecasts of 6.1%, as shipments to the U.S. plunged 11.1% due to weakness in cars, auto parts, and chip-making machines. That was a sharp reversal from a 8.8% rise in November.