Japan reports record exports and imports for July as energy costs climb

Japan’s imports and exports set records in July, though soaring energy costs and a weak yen helped extend a trade deficit for a third straight month. Government data released Thursday show that Japan’s trade deficit totaled 634.5 billion yen, or $4 billion, last month. The Finance Ministry's preliminary report shows imports surged 27.8% from the same month a year ago to a seasonally adjusted 12.15…