Free Preview of Members-Only Content

To view the requested intelligence, you must be a Stratfor.com member.

An October trade deficit has startled Tokyo.
Related Special Topic Page

Japan was taken by surprise Nov. 20 when new trade statistics for October indicated a 63.9 billion yen (US$676 million) deficit versus the predicted 80 billion yen (US$836 million) surplus. October’s statistics showed the second abnormal deficit for Japan so far this year, after an unusual 332 yen (US$3 billion) deficit in August.

Japan has not suffered a trade deficit in October since 1980. For a debt-ridden country that depends almost entirely on exports for overall economic growth, the idea that trade deficits could become common is particularly frightening.


Stratfor Members, please log in at the top left hand corner
Get Stratfor's Free Intelligence
Objective Facts and Non-partisan Analysis

Stratfor delivers premier analysis and insightful intelligence on the events and issues that shape your world! Become part of a community that wants to understand what's really happening in the world, doesn't have time for fluff, partisanship, and noisy clutter. Enjoy free Intelligence written by:

  • Dr. George Friedman – Geopolitics
  • Fred Burton & Scott Stewart - Terrorism & Security

Delivered to your inbox FREE!

Get right to the salient points and receive:

  • Situational Awareness - What's happening that you need to know?
  • Analysis - What do today's events mean to you?
  • Insight – no partisan agenda & no ideological bias

Stratfor is the world's leading private sector source of geopolitical intelligence. Sign up today and enjoy free intelligence.


SIGN UP FOR INTELLIGENCE UPDATES NOW!