Japan’s exports surged 16.8% year on year to JPY 9,187.5 billion, sharply picking up from a 5.1% growth in the previous month and marking the fastest pace since November 2022. The latest reading also exceeded market forecasts of 12%, driven by robust demand ahead of the Lunar New Year from China (32%) and other Asian markets, including Hong Kong (73.1%), Taiwan (35.3%), South Korea (10.8%), ASEAN countries (9.3%), and Vietnam (30.6%). Sales also expanded to India (9.2%), Australia (9.6%), the EU (29.6%), Russia (53.4%), and Germany (30%). In contrast, shipments to the U.S. fell 5%, weighed down by softer demand and the impact of the 15% U.S. tariffs, which dampened orders and reduced price competitiveness.