Japan's imports, exports balloon on energy costs, low yen

Thursday's government data indicated that Japan's trade deficit had reached a record $14 billion, the 14th consecutive month it had done so. The increasing costs of imported energy, food, and other items were exacerbated by the falling value of the yen.

September imports were 10.9 trillion yen, up roughly 46% over the same month a year ago due to higher prices for oil and gas, according to the Ministry of Finance.

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