Major reasons of current account surpluses

Question

In contrast to the U.S., Japan has observed constant current account surpluses. What would be the major reasons for such surpluses? Is it advantageous to have constant current account surpluses?

Answer 1

Constant current account surpluses of Japan may have resulted as a weak yen and also high competitiveness of the Japanese industries. Massive capital exports by the Japan avoided yen from improving more than it did. Simultaneously, foreigners’ exports to the Japan were held back due to the closed nature of Japanese markets. Constant existing account surpluses have disrupted the free trade through the promotion of the protectionist sentiment within the deficit country. It is not at all desirable especially at the time it is brought about by policies of the mercantilist.