Japan has posted its worst September trade figures in more than three decades as the global slowdown and a territorial spat with China hit exports.
Japan logged a $US7 billion trade deficit, according to official data released on Monday.
Shipments to China, which is Japan's biggest trading partner, tumbled 14.1% as demand dropped for Japan-branded cars and other products.
Weakness in the United States and Europe - two key markets for Japanese products - also had an effect, AFP reports.
Japan's shipments to Europe dived just over 21%.
