Japan’s exports rose sharply in January, climbing nearly 17% from a year earlier on the back of seasonal factors and strong demand from China and other Asian markets.

Japan recorded a trade deficit for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, according to government data released Thursday, as exports were affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and strained diplomatic relations with neighboring China.

South Korea’s annual exports surpassed US$700 billion for the first time on Monday, making it the sixth country globally to reach the milestone, according to government data.

Japan’s exports rose 6% in November compared with a year earlier, driven in part by a rebound in shipments to the United States, the first increase since March as trade uncertainties eased following a deal with the Trump administration.

Indian seafood exporters surged by as much as 11% on Wednesday after media reports indicated that China had informed Japan of plans to suspend seafood imports, a move that could redirect demand toward alternative suppliers such as India, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.

On November 7, Japan announced it has resumed shipping seafood to China after a two-year ban over concerns about potential radioactive waste, according to the Japanese government.

Azerbaijan’s Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) on Wednesday hosted a meeting with Mitsuaki Sano, Managing Director of the Istanbul office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), News.Az reports.