The big increase in imports, on the other hand, was a decided negative.
Western Europe was the only region where the growth rate in imports did not fall from a year earlier.
The continued increase in imports provides one reason for concern.
The 1987 bill provides for a 1 percent annual increase in imports over 1986 levels.
They are the workers most hurt by free trade rules that allow in greater foreign imports.
Its exports rose to €1.768 billion and €825 million in imports.
For an additional 5 percent tax, another $1,000 in imports is permitted.
This offset a 6.4 percent increase in imports, which also hit a high of $475.1 billion.
But an increase was shown in imports of passenger cars.
Through the 1980's, Japan's growth in imports was led by consumer spending.