Exports fell for a fourth consecutive month and dropped the most since late 2009, underscoring continued weakness in an economy that contracted in the final months of 2015.
Exports to China, the nation's largest trading partner, were down almost 18 percent, driving an overall decline of nearly 13 percent in the value of overseas shipments in January from a year earlier. Imports dropped 18 percent, leaving a ¥645.9 billion trade deficit, the Ministry of Finance said Thursday.
Falling exports compound poor sentiment in Japan, where wage gains have stagnated, consumer prices are barely rising and households are reluctant to spend. This year stocks have plunged and the yen has gained more than 5 percent against the dollar amid concerns over China's slowdown and U.S. growth. This adds to worries about the seesawing nature of Japan's economy between modest growth and contraction.