Japan's export growth slowed in August and shipments to the U.S. fell for the first time in nearly three years, highlighting the mixed prospects for Japan's economic recovery.

Japan's total exports in August were 8.4419 trillion yen, up 5.6% year-on-year, setting a new record for August exports and maintaining year-on-year growth for nine consecutive months. Exports of semiconductor and other manufacturing equipment, semiconductor and other electronic components, and scientific optical machines increased by 55.2%, 15.0%, and 17.0% year-on-year respectively; automobile exports decreased by 9.9% year-on-year.

From the perspective of specific countries and regions, Japan's trade surplus with the United States in August was 657.5 billion yen, and its exports to the United States fell for the first time in 35 months; its trade deficit with the European Union was 353.6 billion yen, and its exports to the European Union fell for five consecutive months; its trade surplus with Asia was 441.9 billion yen, and its exports to Asia achieved year-on-year growth for nine consecutive months, with exports to China increasing by 5.2%.