Japan registered a trade deficit of 63.9 billion yen in October, according to figures released by the Finance Ministry on Thursday.

The preliminary report said exports declined 7.7 percent to 6,926.1 billion yen, while imports advanced 7.4 percent to 6,990.1 billion yen.

The trade surplus with the United States was down 27.5 percent, while that with the rest of Asia plunged 38.7 percent.

The trade data are measured on a customs-cleared basis before adjustments for seasonal factors.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2008)