TOKYO -- Japan's exports grew in value terms for the ninth month in a row in August, driven by semiconductor related goods, official data showed on Wednesday, even as shipments to the U.S. declined for the first time in nearly three years amid slumping auto demand.
The country's total exports reached 8.4 trillion yen ($59.2 billion), up 5.6% from the same month last year, according to preliminary figures released by the Ministry of Finance. Total imports came in at 9.1 trillion yen, up 2.3%, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth.
