<h1>Japan's exports rise despite US tariffs, deficit narrows as Asian demand grows amid mounting diplomatic and trade tensions</h1> Japan's October trade data show a 3.7% annual rise in global exports and a 0.6% increase in imports, while exports to the US fell 3.1%, the seventh consecutive monthly decline, amid concerns over newly imposed US tariffs. The US has implemented a 15% tariff on Japanese goods, raised from a prior general level of 2.5%, though lower than an earlier-announced 25%. Japan's trade deficit narrowed to 231.77 billion Yen. Exports to Asia, particularly China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, increased, potentially mitigating US-related trade risks. Diplomatic tensions with China over Taiwan-related remarks by Japan's Prime Minister may create additional trade and travel uncertainties.