The jump in exports significantly outpaced the 5.1% growth recorded in December and exceeded the 14.8% increase projected by economists in a Factset poll. This momentum was largely fueled by a 32.0% surge in shipments to China. Analysts suggest this spike was likely amplified by front-loaded orders ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays in February.

Divergent Trade Paths

While regional trade flourished, Japan’s trade relationship with its second-largest partner remained under pressure. Exports to the United States fell 5.0%, marking the second straight month of decline following an 11.1% drop in December. The downturn was concentrated in key sectors including pharmaceuticals, metal processing machinery, and automotive manufacturing.

According to government data released Wednesday, Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. contracted by 23.0%. Despite existing bilateral trade agreements, Japanese exporters are still navigating a 15% tariff on a broad range of U.S.-bound goods, which continues to weigh on shipment volumes and profitability for domestic manufacturers.