Japanese exports jump, imports hit record
Japan's exports picked up steam in November.
They climbed 20.5% on the year - slightly less than forecast, but marking the ninth straight month of gains.
Shipments of cars - Japan's number one export - climbed over 4%.
That was their first increase in three months, and suggests supply chain woes may be easing off.
The auto industry worldwide has been battered by a shortage of computer chips.
But semiconductors, along with steel, were among Japan's big export drivers in November.
The country's consumers look to be getting busy too, with imports surging to a record.
They were up 43.8% on the year.
That comes just days after the Bank of Japan's latest Tankan survey, which showed an improvement in service-sector sentiment.
Economists say that suggests robust domestic consumption is ready to support a recovery.
However, the same survey showed rising raw material costs are now the main worry for Japan's big firms.
