Japan’s exports fell by 10.3% in September (year over year). This includes a big drop in exports to China, which dropped by just over 14%. The drop could be partially attributed to the dispute over the Senkaku / Diaoyu islands.
Together with a rise of 4.1% in imports, Japan’s trade deficit rose to 558.6 billion yen. USD/JPY resumed its rises and broke above uptrend resistance, escaping the channel. A confirmation is still awaited.
As you can see on the chart, uptrend resistance began at the beginning of October and runs in parallel with uptrend support that began earlier. Dollar/yen is currently above this line (visible also on daily charts), but hasn’t broken the 79.70 line, which defends the round 80 figure.
USD JPY Uptrend Resistance Broken – Click image to enlarge
Japan’s higher trade deficit cannot be blamed only China.  huge drop of 26% has been seen in Japanese exports to Western Europe. This compares with almost no change in exports to the US.
The high value of the Japanese, together with the slowdown in China and the debt crisis in Europe could be blamed for the drop in exports. Regarding imports, this is an ongoing process that began with the horrible catastrophe of March 11th 2011. The closure of Fukushima led to more nuclear power plant closures and Japan is now importing oil for its energy needs.
The US has sent ex-security experts to the region to try to mediate between China and Japan over the islands’ dispute.
Further reading:Â Is USD/JPY Ready to Rally?
