April 24, 2024 /SemiMedia/ -- According to reports, Japan's exports increased for the fourth consecutive month in March, with semiconductor manufacturing equipment driving growth in shipments to China.

Reports show that Japan’s total exports in March reached 9.46 trillion yen (US$61 billion), a year-on-year increase of 7.3%. Total imports were 9.1 trillion yen, a decrease of 4.9%, marking the first trade surplus in three months. Automobile exports increased by 7.1%, and exports of electronic components, including semiconductors, increased by 11.3%. The growth of Japan's exports to China was mainly driven by the growth of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, with an increase of 82.4%.

Economist Kazuma Kishikawa said the improvement in the silicon cycle and the boom and bust of the semiconductor industry have led to an increase in exports of electronic components.

"China's industrial production rose steadily by 4.5% in March from a year earlier, driving demand for capital goods including semiconductor manufacturing equipment," Kishikawa said.

"Another potential factor is rising demand from Chinese companies for less advanced equipment after Japan imposed export restrictions on high-tech semiconductor manufacturing equipment last year," he added.