Japan exports and imports have surged to record highs, as the declining value of the yen added to the soaring costs of imports of energy, food and other goods.
Imports were valued at 10.9 trillion yen ($72.7 billion) in September, according to the Finance Ministry, up nearly 46% from due mainly to rising fuel costs.
Imports have grown for 20 months on-year, but import costs were lower than the previous month’s.
Exports totaled 8.8 trillion yen ($58.7 billion), the strongest growth being in autos and steel.