Trump's government is trying to renegotiate trade agreements with major economies to lower the U.S. trade deficit and address what it considers to be unfair trade practices. Ministry of Finance (MOF) data showed on Wednesday Japan's exports fell 2.4% in April from a year earlier, down for a fifth straight month. The spectre of a drawn-out trade war comes at a delicate time for Japan's economy. Indeed, the GDP data showed declines in consumer and business spending, a bigger source of concern as companies worried about the future. To be sure, there are some positive signs for Japan's economy.

Source: The Star May 22, 2019 02:03 UTC