UK Grocery Inflation Slows to 3.1% as Supermarket Price Pressures Ease in May 2026 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
European Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Offsets U.S.-Iran Tensions 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
Canada and Germany Advance Major LNG Supply Partnership 
Oil Prices Set for Sharp Weekly Losses as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Ease Supply Concerns 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Japan’s exports rose for the first time in five months in September, supported by a weaker yen that boosted overseas competitiveness. However, shipments to the United States continued to fall despite Washington’s tariff reductions on Japanese autos, signaling ongoing trade headwinds.
According to official data, total exports increased 4.2% year-on-year in September, slightly below the market forecast of 4.6% and following a 0.1% decline in August. While the uptick aligns with recent indicators—such as the Bank of Japan’s tankan survey—suggesting the economy remains resilient, analysts caution that the recovery could be short-lived.
Exports to the U.S. plunged 13.3% from a year earlier, marking six consecutive months of decline. Auto exports dropped sharply by 24.2%, and chipmaking equipment shipments tumbled 45.7%. In contrast, exports to China rose 5.8% thanks to stronger demand for vehicles and industrial materials, while shipments to the rest of Asia climbed 9.2%.
Imports also grew 3.3% in September, surpassing expectations of a 0.6% increase. As a result, Japan recorded a trade deficit of 234.6 billion yen ($1.56 billion), contrary to forecasts for a small surplus.
The recent U.S.-Japan trade agreement, which lowered tariffs on Japanese goods—cutting auto duties from 27.5% to a baseline 15%—offered partial relief to manufacturers. Still, many automakers had already slashed export prices to offset earlier costs, squeezing profit margins. Analysts warn that prolonged profit pressure could hinder corporate investment and wage growth, potentially slowing consumption and economic momentum.
Norinchukin Research Institute’s chief economist Takeshi Minami noted that exporters may face further strain once cost adjustments begin, potentially reducing export volumes. Meanwhile, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that the central bank may continue gradual rate hikes if firms maintain resilience and boost spending on equipment and wages.
