Imports fell 2.0 percent to 6.39 trillion yen, marking the second consecutive half-year period of decline, according to the ministry's preliminary report. Among other regions, Japan posted a deficit of 3.63 trillion yen with China, up 18.3 percent and expanding for the third consecutive half-year period. Exports to the country fell 2.1 percent to 9.26 trillion yen, while imports rose 2.9 percent to 12.89 trillion yen. In September, Japan logged a trade deficit of 234.6 billion yen to stay in the red for the third consecutive month. Exports rose 4.2 percent to 9.41 trillion yen, up for the first time in five months, while imports increased 3.3 percent to 9.65 trillion yen, marking the first increase in three months.