Japan's exports experienced a 1.7% year-on-year decline in May, marking the first drop in eight months. Notably, exports to the United States fell by 11.1%, with a significant plummet of 24.7% in automobile exports. This downturn is likely attributed to the impact of additional tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Additionally, exports to China decreased by 8.8%, primarily due to the decline in semiconductor equipment exports. Consequently, Japan recorded a trade deficit of 637.6 billion yen for the second consecutive month. These data underscore the substantial impact that shifts in the global trade environment and tariff policies are having on Japan's exports, particularly in the automotive and semiconductor equipment sectors.