Japan's trade deficit shrinks in April

(MENAFN) Japan's trade deficit decreased in April after the yen strengthened and a sales tax hike dampened demand for imports of consumer goods, according to Iran Daily. The country's deficit was estimated at USD8 billion in April compared to USD8.634 billion a year earlier and with a USD0.0167 trillion yen deficit in March. Exports boosted by 5.1 percent compared to a year earlier to USD60 billion, led by shipments of machinery and transport equipment, as recoveries gained momentum in overseas markets.