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Japan's Trade Deficit Swells in July; Export Growth Accelerates

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Japan recorded a trade deficit of 634.5 billion yen in July, larger than the 409.9 billion yen deficit a month prior, according to preliminary data released by the Ministry of Finance on Thursday.

The deficit, however, was down from the consensus market forecast of 680 billion yen, tracked by Investing.com.

Exports rose 23.2% year over year to 11.5 trillion yen, sharper than the 19.3% rise the previous month. The performance beat the consensus estimate for a 19.9% increase.

Imports rose 27.8% year over year to 12.1 trillion yen, accelerating from the 25.4% rise the previous month, and beating the consensus estimate of 26.5%.

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