The current account balance of the balance of payments is a barometer of how a country earns its income (exports of goods and services) and spends (imports of goods and services).
Japan's Merchandise Trade Balance Total for January fell by less than expected, printing at ¥-1.75 trillion after an unexpected upswing in Japanese Exports, which rose to a 14-month high of 11.9% YoY versus the forecast decline to 9.5% from the previous period's 9.7% (revised from 9.8%).
Despite experiencing a trade surplus for the 45th consecutive month, Malaysia’s trade gain shrank for the fourth consecutive month in January 2024 to RM10.12bil, reaching its lowest point since May 2020.
New Zealand’s Trade Balance came in at $-13.57B YoY in December versus $-13.90B prior, according to the latest data released by Statistics New Zealand on Monday.