TOKYO -- Japan has maintained a current-account surplus for many years, but its trade profile is undergoing a profound change as its goods trade has receded while revenue from intellectual property has grown.
The country has an established reputation as an export-based economy that manufactures goods and ships them outside its shores, but income from overseas dividends and interest payments have grown to become key earners for Japan. In addition, exports of trademarks and advanced production know-how are also growing, increasing revenue from intellectual property usage fees, such as royalty payments, and becoming a new major source of cash.
