Japan recorded a trade deficit of 2.76 trillion yen ($18 billion) in January, the Finance Ministry reported Wednesday, as worries continue to grow about looming tariffs from the administration of U.S.

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.

Japan’s exports rose at a faster clip in January as businesses ramped up orders just as US President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of protectionist policies expected to take effect in coming months.