China-Japan Trade Hits Record High in 1st Half
By wchung | 25 Mar, 2026

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.