Japan's exports rose 23.2% year on year in July to about ¥8.8 trillion, beating a 19.9% market forecast as shipments of automobiles, auto parts and semiconductor manufacturing equipment strengthened, with solid demand from the United States and the European Union and a 12.5% rebound in exports to China. The yen, which traded around 145-147 per dollar in July and was roughly 8% weaker than a year earlier, boosted the nominal value of shipments, while imports rose 19.4% on higher energy and raw-material costs, leaving Japan in trade deficit for a 25th consecutive month. The figures suggest external demand is supporting export-oriented companies and the broader recovery even as domestic consumption remains sluggish, while a weak currency and higher import prices keep pressure on inflation and complicate Bank of Japan policy normalization.