TOKYO (June 19): Japan's exports fell 7.8% in May from a year earlier, down for a sixth straight month, Ministry of Finance (MOF) data showed on Wednesday, underscoring persistent weakness in overseas demand.  

That compared with a 7.7% drop expected by economists in a Reuters poll, and followed a 2.4% fall in April.

Imports fell 1.5% in the year to May, versus the median estimate for a 0.2% increase.

The trade balance came to a deficit 967.1 billion yen  ($8.91 billion), versus the median estimate for a 979.2 billion yen shortfall.