Japan December export growth beats forecast amid tariff jitters.

Japanese exports rose for a third successive month in December as a weak yen boosted the value of shipments, data showed on Thursday, though a decline in volume underscored doubt about an outlook clouded by the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy.

With U.S. President Donald Trump flagging plans for tariffs on imports from major trading partners China, Canada and Mexico, Japanese companies are increasingly worried that protectionist policies could dampen and disrupt global shipments.

Japan’s December exports rose 2.8% from the same month a year earlier, government data showed, exceeding a median market forecast of 2.3% but slowing from November’s 3.8%.

Demand for chipmaking equipment in Taiwan led exports by type, while the yen’s 3.8% drop versus the U.S. dollar boosted the total value.

Source: FINANCE.YAHOO