Japan’s exports and imports remained in negative territory in the second quarter of the year, but showed improvement compared to the previous quarter, according to a survey by NX Logistics Research Institute and Consulting.
The Tokyo-based think tank, affiliated with the Nippon Express (NX) group, anticipates similar trends for the third quarter, with continued negative figures but further improvement.
According to the Japan International Freight Forwarders Association Inc (JIFFA), the container export index rose to -3 points in Q2 from -15 points in Q1. Export indices to other Asian economies increased by 14 points to -4, to North America by 7 points to -6, and to Europe by 12 points to -5. Projections for Q3 suggest the composite export index will improve to -1 point, with indices for exports to Asia, North America, and Europe expected to reach -1, -4, and -4 points, respectively.
Container imports saw a rise of 4 points to -8 in Q2. Indices for imports from Asia, North America, and Europe stood at -6, -12, and -13 points, respectively, all improving from Q1. The composite import index is projected to reach -6 in Q3, with imports from Asia improving to -5 points, and those from North America and Europe remaining at -12 and -13 points, respectively.
The survey was conducted among 2,500 major manufacturers and wholesalers, with 680 responses (27.2% response rate). The cargo movement indices are calculated by subtracting the number of businesses expecting deterioration from those anticipating improvement.
