TOKYO (AP) \u2014 Japan\u2019s exports grew 4.2% in September, according to government data Wednesday, on robust shipments to Asia that offset a decline in exports to the U.S., which were impacted by President Donald Trump\u2019s tariffs.<\/p>\n
Japan\u2019s exports to Asia jumped 9.2% last month compared to the same period a year earlier, according to Japanese Ministry of Finance data.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Exports to the U.S. dropped 13.3%, marking the sixth straight month of on-year declines, while those to China<\/a> surged 5.8% compared to last year.<\/p>\n Auto shipments to the U.S. dropped 24.2% in September. Automakers like Toyota Motor Corp.<\/a> are pillars of Japan’s economy.<\/p>\n Japan\u2019s imports edged up 3.3% in September overall, growing 6% in Asia, including a 9.8% rise in imports from China.<\/p>\n The findings come a day after Sanae Takaichi was chosen in a parliamentary vote as the nation\u2019s prime minister,<\/a> becoming the first woman to lead Japan.<\/p>\n She is known for nationalist-leaning conservative views but is also seen as a proponent of bigger public spending, which has sent share prices generally rising in Tokyo in recent sessions.<\/p>\n Takaichi has also promised higher wages, as well as looser monetary policy, which would favor a weak Japanese yen. That would be a boon for the nation\u2019s giant exporters by raising the value of overseas earnings when converted into yen.<\/p>\n Takaichi faces an uphill battle in realizing her policies because the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, even with coalition partners, does not have a majority in either house of parliament. Her own party remains divided.<\/p>\n