Nikkei Ends Higher on Export Surge, US Trade Deal Optimism

Published on 02/18/2026 at 02:20 am EST
(MT Newswires) -- Japanese stocks closed higher on Wednesday after robust trade data showed January exports surged 16.8% year on year, boosted by a weaker yen and strong demand from Asia.
The Nikkei 225 rose 1.02%, or 577.35 points, to close at 57,143.84.
Japan's trade deficit narrowed to 1.152 trillion yen in January from 2.742 trillion yen a year earlier as exports rose 16.8% on year to 9.187 trillion yen. Imports fell 2.5% to 10.34 trillion yen, led by declines in petroleum, machinery, chemicals and aircraft-related goods.
Sentiment was also lifted after U.S. President Donald Trump said the first Japan-funded projects under the U.S.-Japan trade deal were approved, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying the roughly $36 billion investments span U.S. power, energy and advanced manufacturing, marking the initial rollout of Japan's $550 billion commitment.
In economic news, the International Monetary Fund said after its Article IV review that Japan needs a credible medium-term fiscal framework anchored by a clear fiscal rule, urging a neutral near-term stance and cautioning against further fiscal loosening or a consumption tax cut.
Separately, the Reuters Tankan showed Japanese manufacturer sentiment improving in February for the first time in three months, with the index rising to plus 13 from plus 7, led by machinery firms. Non-manufacturer sentiment slipped to plus 25 from plus 32 on weaker inbound demand from China.
On the corporate front, Yamae Group, which ended 2% lower, said profit attributable to owners rose 12% to 7.78 billion yen for the nine months ended Dec. 31, 2025, while net sales grew 6.3% to 799.2 billion yen.
Sun Frontier Fudousan, which rose 2%, will absorb its wholly owned subsidiary Kawakami Seihon in an absorption-type merger effective April 1. The move supports a re-planning project, with no share issuance, cash payment or shareholder vote required.
Balmuda (TYO:6612) slid nearly 5%, as it posted an attributable loss of 1.60 billion yen in 2025, reversing a year-earlier profit, as net sales fell 19% to 10.1 billion yen. The company forecast a return to a small profit in 2026 and said it does not plan to pay dividends.

Sumber : MT Newswires