Japan's exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in January led by auto shipments to the United States, but if U.S. President Donald Trump goes through with a plan to impose hefty car tariffs, a sharp drop-off is likely.

Japan also had a trade deficit, which measures the value of exports minus imports, a year ago, but the amount rose 60% last month from January 2024. Exports totaled 7.86 trillion yen ($52 billion) last month, up 7% on-year, rising in a variety of products including machinery, medical goods and ships.

Japans exports grew for the fourth straight month in January, signaling a resilient economic recovery despite looming U.S. tariff threats. Data released Wednesday showed a 7.2% year-on-year increase,