2009-02-25 Japan exports drop 46 percent in January

2009-02-25  BBC \Japan\global economy\2008 financial meltdown\globalization http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7909248.stm Japan exports drop 46% in January Japan exports drop 46% in January  Japan's exports plunged 45.7% in January compared with a year ago to hit the lowest figure in 10 years, official figures have shown.

Imports exceeded exports by 952.6bn yen ($9.9bn; Â£6.8bn). It is the largest gap since records began in 1980.

Demand for Japanese cars in particular dropped by 69%.

Trade in electronics and other goods has also slumped as global economies and consumer spending contract, pushing Japan deeper into recession.

"Japan is particularly vulnerable to this downturn because trade is so central to the economy," World Trade Organization head Pascal Lamy told reporters on a visit to Tokyo.

&ldquo;Japan's exports plunged 45.7% in January compared with a year ago to hit the lowest figure in 10 years, official figures have shown.&rdquo;   