Japan's exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in January led by auto shipments to the U.S., data showed on Wednesday, though economists said President Donald Trump's threat of hefty tariffs on car imports could hurt future shipments.

The U.S. president's threat to impose a 25% levy on car imports would likely deliver a big blow to Japan’s economy.

Japan's exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in January led by auto shipments to the United States, but if U.S. President Donald Trump goes through with a plan to impose hefty car tariffs, a sharp drop-off is likely.

Japan’s longstanding trade surplus with the U.S. continues to risk the ire of Trump, who favors using levies to close trade gaps with other nations. Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. was ¥477 billion in January. Auto exports to the U.S. surged 21.8% in the month.

Japans exports grew for the fourth straight month in January, signaling a resilient economic recovery despite looming U.S. tariff threats. Data released Wednesday showed a 7.2% year-on-year increase,

Japan has recorded a trade deficit of 2.76 trillion yen, or $18 billion, in January, as worries continue to grow about impending tariffs from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump