The Ministry of Finance released its trade data for Japan on the late Sunday evening. Japan's trade deficit turned into a surplus of ¥140.3 billion in December from a deficit of ¥379.7 billion in November.

Analysts had expected a surplus of ¥100.0 billion.

Exports fell 8.0% year-on-year in December, while imports dropped 18.0%.

Exports to Asia declined by 10.3% year-on-year in December, exports to the United States decreased by 3.4%, while exports to the European Union rose by 3.1%.