Japan posted a 2.16 trillion yen ($15.5 billion) trade deficit in October, a record for the month, as imports surged to their largest amount on higher energy prices and the yen's sharp slide, far outpacing exports, Finance Ministry data showed Thursday. Imports, which were at a historical record high, jumped 53.5 percent from a year earlier to 11.16 trillion yen led by crude oil, liquefied natural gas and coal. Exports gained 25.3 percent to 9.00 trillion yen after shipments of cars and electronics components increased, highlighting strong overseas demand. Comparable data became available in 1979. For the past six ... (full story)