Weaker yen helps Japan's exports rise faster than expected

Exports up 3.8% year on year in November on solid demand while imports drop 3.8%

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TOKYO - Japan's exports rose faster than expected in November, data showed on Dec 18, helped by a weaker yen and solid global demand even as businesses worry that protectionist US trade policies will undermine future growth.

Total exports rose 3.8 per cent year on year in November, more than a median market forecast for a 2.8 per cent increase and following a 3.1 per cent rise in October.

Strong chipmaking equipment exports to Taiwan and China, coupled with a weaker yen, boosted the overall value.

But volumes dipped 0.1 per cent, suggesting growth in value largely reflected the boost from the yen's weakness.