China-Japan Trade Hits Record High in 1st Half

The total value of trade between Japan and China during the first half of 2011 surged 17.9 percent over the same period of last year to a record $163.15 billion, according to the Japan External Trade Organization.

Imports from China surged 21.4 percent to $84.95 billion on demand for smartphones, other information appliances and food, according to JETRO. Exports rose 14.3 percent to $78.23 billion on the strength of semiconductor production machinery and machine tools.

The rate of export growth to China suffered a drop due in part to slowed car production caused by parts supply shortages created by the March 11 quake and tsunami. As a result Japan’s trade deficit with China jumped over fourfold to $6.75 billion.

China’s share of Japan’s total international trade rose 0.5 percent to 20.6 percent.