英語学習

【Asia Business English】Japan exports post huge miss in September as growth slows to 16.7%（B1–B2）

 

Contents

🎧 Audio

📖 Script

In September, Japan experienced a significant slowdown in its export growth, which increased by just 16.7%. This was lower than expected and marks a worrying trend for the Japanese economy. The growth in imports was also less than anticipated, increasing by 18.9% rather than the forecasted 19.6%. This gap highlights concerns about Japan’s trade balance, which is an important indicator of economic health.

One of the main reasons for this slowdown in exports is the decline in demand for semiconductors, a key component of many electronic devices. The semiconductor industry has been experiencing global challenges, affecting countries that rely heavily on these products. Moreover, the yen’s weakening against other major currencies has influenced Japan’s trade dynamics. A weaker yen can make Japanese goods more attractive overseas but can also increase the cost of imports, which may harm local businesses.

The situation highlights the delicate balance Japan must maintain between growing its economy and managing its trade relationships. The government and businesses need to adapt to these changing conditions by finding new markets and diversifying their product offerings. This is crucial for maintaining Japan’s economic stability in a rapidly changing global market.

Looking forward, it will be important for Japan to monitor global trends that could affect its trade, such as shifts in technology demand and currency fluctuations. By understanding these factors, Japan can better position itself to navigate future economic challenges and opportunities.

📝 Vocabulary

  • export: to send goods to another country for sale
    例文: “Japan exports many cars to different parts of the world.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • export market
    • export goods
    • export growth
    輸出する
  • import: to bring goods into a country for sale
    例文: “Japan imports a lot of oil from the Middle East.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • import tariffs
    • import duty
    • import goods
    輸入する
  • semiconductor: a material used in electronics that can conduct electricity
    例文: “Semiconductors are essential for making computers and smartphones.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • semiconductor industry
    • semiconductor chip
    • semiconductor demand
    半導体
  • economy: the system of trade and industry in a country
    例文: “A strong economy is important for a country’s growth.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • global economy
    • economy of scale
    • economy growth
    経済
  • currency: the money that is used in a particular country
    例文: “The yen is the currency of Japan.”
    Collocations／日本語の意味を見る
    • currency exchange
    • currency market
    • currency fluctuation
    通貨

✏️ Grammar Point

Superlative form – “Japan experienced a significant slowdown in its export growth, which increased by just 16.7%.”

文法の日本語補足を見る
日本語での簡単な補足説明

💡 使用場面

最上級の表現は、ビジネスや日常会話で、ある物事が他と比べて最も際立っていることを示したい時に使います。

📝 使用例文

“例: In a business meeting, you might say: ‘This is the most profitable quarter we have had this year.’”

❓ Listening Questions

  1. True/False: Japan’s export growth in September was higher than expected.
  2. MCQ: What was one reason for the slowdown in Japan’s exports?
    a) Increased demand for electronics
    b) A stronger yen
    c) Decline in demand for semiconductors
    d) High import tariffs
  3. MCQ: What is a challenge Japan faces due to a weaker yen?
    a) Decreased attractiveness of exports
    b) Lower import costs
    c) Increased cost of imports
    d) Faster economic growth
🔑 Listening Answersを見る
  1. False
  2. c) Decline in demand for semiconductors
  3. c) Increased cost of imports

📚 Reading Questions

  1. What was the actual growth rate of Japan’s imports in September?
  2. Why do you think Japan needs to find new markets for its products?
  3. What does the word “fluctuations” mean in the context of currency?
🔑 Reading Answersを見る
  1. 18.9%
  2. To adapt to changing global trade conditions and maintain stability.
  3. Changes in value or rate.

🇯🇵 日本語での経済ニュース解説

日本の2023年9月の輸出成長率は16.7%と予想を下回り、輸入も18.9%で期待に届きませんでした。半導体需要の低下や円安が影響しています。このような貿易の不均衡は、日本経済の安定性への懸念材料となっています。今後、日本は新たな市場開拓や製品の多様化を進め、グローバル市場の変化に柔軟に対応していく必要があります。特に、技術需要の変化や通貨の変動が日本の貿易に与える影響を注視し、経済の安定を図ることが重要です。

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/21/japan-trade-exports-semiconductor-yen.html

RELATED POST