How the Yen Shapes Japan’s Trade and Exports

The strength of the yen can make or break Japan’s export industries. A strong yen makes Japanese goods pricier overseas, while a weak yen boosts exports by lowering prices for foreign buyers. But there’s a catch—too much weakening risks inflation and higher import costs. Read more about it now!

Author｜Joshua Hayashi

Editor｜Sophia Wu 

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The value of the Japanese yen has a big impact on Japan’s trade balance and how competitive its exports are in the global market. Japan relies heavily on exporting goods like cars, electronics, and machinery, so the value of its currency can make a significant difference.

When the yen is strong, Japanese products become more expensive for people in other countries. This can lead to a drop in demand for Japanese exports, as foreign consumers may choose cheaper alternatives. For example, in the 1980s, when the yen was strong, Japanese cars and electronics became more expensive, which slowed down exports. However, when the yen weakens, Japanese products become cheaper and more attractive to foreign buyers. This helps boost exports, as it makes Japanese goods more affordable in global markets.

The value of the yen also affects Japan’s trade balance, which is the difference between the value of its exports and imports. When the yen is weak, it tends to improve the trade balance by making exports cheaper and increasing demand. On the other hand, a stronger yen can hurt the trade balance, as it slows down exports and makes imports cheaper, which can increase Japan’s trade deficit.

In conclusion, Japan’s trade balance and export competitiveness are closely tied to the value of the yen. A weaker yen helps boost exports and improve the trade balance, while a stronger yen can have the opposite effect. However, Japan’s government must also be careful not to let the yen weaken too much, as this could lead to inflation and hurt domestic consumers.

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Reference:

• https://www.elibrary.imf.org/display/book/9781589061873/ch012.xml 
• https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/156153/adbi-wp298.pdf 

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