The government has reported that Japan's economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.7% in the first quarter, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war hurt exports and dented consumer confidence

Japan’s exports reportedly slowed down in the first 20 days of April amid a stronger yen, while U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods, from steel to cars, also came into effect. Exports measured by value rose 2.

Japan's economy shrank for the first time in a year and at a faster pace than expected, data for the March quarter showed on Friday, underscoring the fragile nature of its recovery now under threat from U.

Among all U.S. allies being wooed by Beijing in its tariff stare-down with Washington, Japan stands out as a peculiar case.

Donald Trump’s tariffs on China will likely remain at a level expected to severely curtail Chinese exports to the US after the 90-day truce, analysts and investors say, suggesting Beijing may have to endure further economic pain despite active talks.