Japan exports fall on weak demand in China and Europe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19340232

Exports fell 8.1% from the previous year, much more than the 2.9% drop economist were predicting.

High oil prices have also increased the cost of energy imports, which Japan relies on for power generation.

Many Asian export economies have reported weak trade figures in recent months.

Japan saw a 25.1% plunge in overseas shipments to the European Union as the sovereign debt crisis continues to hurt demand. It was the biggest drop since October 2009.