Japan has recorded a trade deficit of 2.76 trillion yen, or $18 billion, in January, as worries continue to grow about impending tariffs from the administration of U.S.

Japan's exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in January led by auto shipments to the U.S., data showed on Wednesday, though economists said President Donald Trump's threat of hefty tariffs on car imports could hurt future shipments.

Japan has raised the issue of auto tariffs with the US after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% levy on car imports, a move that would likely deliver a big blow to Japan’s economy.Tokyo is closely watching any potential impact stemming from higher levies,