News
Japan' exports and imports remained in negative territory in the second quarter (April-June) but improved from the previous three months, according to a survey that NX Logistics Research Institute and Consulting conducted in June on corporate logistics activities. The Tokyo-based think tank, an affiliate of the Nippon Express (NX) group, projects similar trends for the third quarter (July-September), anticipating they will continue to stay in negative territory but make some improvements.
The index for container exports stood at -3 points in the second quarter, a notable rise from -15 points in the first quarter (January-March). By destination, the indices for exports to other Asian economies went up by 14 points to -4 points; to North America, up by 7 points to -6 points; and to Europe, up by 12 points to -5 points.
NX Logistics Research Institute and Consulting foresees the composite index will further improve to -1 points in the third quarter. By destination, the indices will recover to -1 points for exports to other Asian countries and regions; to -4 points for those to North America; and -4 points for those to Europe.
The index for container imports grew by 4 points to -8 points in April-June. By origin, the indices came to -6 points for those from other Asian economies, -12 points for those from North America and -13 points for those from Europe, all of which improved from January-March.
The composite index is projected to hike to -6 points in July-September. The individual indices are forecast to climb to -5 points for those from other Asian countries and regions and remained unchanged at -12 points for those from North America and -13 points for those from Europe.
The index for air cargo exports was -11 points in the second quarter, a rise of 4 points from the previous quarter. By destination, the indices were -14 points for those to other Asian economies, an improvement of 4 points; -13 points for those to North America, an improvement of 5 points; and -15 points for those to Europe, an improvement of 4 points.
NX Logistics Research Institute and Consulting sees the composite index will recover by 1 point to -10 points in the third quarter. By destination, the indices are envisaged to pick up to -12 points for exports to other countries and regions in Asia and to -10 points for those to North America but worsen by 3 points to -18 points for those from Europe.
The composite index for airfreight imports gained to -12 points in April-June and -11 points for those from other Asian economies, -15 points for those from North America and -13 points for those from Europe, all of which went up from the previous three months.
The research institute and consulting expects the composite index to inflate to -11 points in the fourth quarter. Individually, the indices are anticipated recover to -10 points for those from other Asian countries and regions, -14 points for those from North America and -13 points for those from Europe.
NX Logistics Research Institute and Consulting carried out the survey among 2,500 major manufacturers and wholesalers, receiving responses from 680, representing a response rate of 27.2%. Its cargo movement indices are calculated by subtracting the number of business operators foreseeing cargo movements deteriorations from that of business operators anticipating improvements.
