Trade deficits for Japan, Philippines widen amid AI boom and Iran war

TradeRising oil prices pressure trade balances and currencies across AsiaStatistics show that there is a divide in Asia between economies reaping the full benefit of tech export growth and those that cannot fully offset the negative impact of high energy prices. (Source photos by Yuki Nakao and Reuters) AKANE OKUTSUJuly 30, 2026 13:35 JSTTOKYO -- Japan logged a trade deficit for the second consecutive month in June, while the Philippines saw its monthly deficit widen, according to government statistics released by the two countries on Thursday.