Japanese exports fall exacerbating concerns for its struggling economy
Japanese exports fell for the first time in over a year in October, heightening concerns for the country's economy, which is already in recession and struggling to boost inflation.  Exports fell 2.1% last month, whilst imports slumped by 13.4%, due to a reduced demand from China, Brazil and other Asian countries.  This data from the government reveals a new weakness in Japan's economy, as shipments had until now held up relatively well, despite weaknesses in other areas.

Japanese exports fell for the first time in 14 months in October, exacerbating concerns for an economy already in recession and struggling to muster inflation despite aggressive monetary stimulus.

Exports slumped 2.1 percent from a year earlier in October, while imports fell 13.4 percent, data from the Ministry of Finance showed on Thursday.

The decline in exports was in line with forecasts in a Reuters poll, although the slump in imports was much more stark than forecast, as economists had expected a decline of 8.6 percent.