Kuwait's trade surplus with Japan reaches $668.6 million in seven months

Official data revealed that Kuwait’s trade surplus with Japan declined by 64.9 percent to $668.6 million in the first seven months of 2026, compared to $1.9 billion during the same period in 2025. This downturn coincides with fluctuations in global energy and trade markets, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, and the resulting disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance, the surplus fell by 28.5 percent, or approximately $87.98 million, in July to $220.65 million, down from $308.6 million in July 2025.

Kuwait’s exports to Japan dropped by 55.6 percent to $1.395 billion over the seven-month period, compared to $3.147 billion previously. July exports fell by 27 percent to $355.74 million, compared to $487.8 million in July 2025.

Imports also decreased by 41.2 percent to $728.07 million over the seven months, compared to $1.239 billion, and fell by 24.6 percent in July to $135.07 million, compared to $179.1 million.

Regionally, five Gulf countries recorded a combined trade surplus with Japan in July, rising 17.6 percent year-on-year to $4.22 billion, following three consecutive declines since April, compared to $3.59 billion in July 2025.

Four countries recorded a trade surplus with Japan last month: Saudi Arabia at $2.3 billion, the UAE at $1.52 billion, Kuwait at $220.65 million, and Oman at $211.33 million. Conversely, Qatar recorded a trade deficit with Japan valued at $35.89 million.

Trade volume between the five countries and Japan rose by approximately 10.1 percent to $7.99 billion, compared to $7.26 billion. Exports increased by 12 percent to $6.1 billion, compared to $5.42 billion. Exports rose in three countries, led by Oman with a 248.6 percent increase, while Qatar’s exports fell by 86.44 percent and Kuwait’s by 27 percent. Saudi Arabia ranked first among Gulf states in export volume to Japan, valued at $2.82 billion.

On the other hand, Gulf imports from Japan rose by 2 percent to $1.89 billion, compared to $1.84 billion. The UAE accounted for the largest share of these imports at $955.5 million, while Qatar received the lowest Gulf imports at $111.5 million.