JAPAN

Prices of Imports Cut: Retailers have cut prices of imported goods to share with consumers the benefits of the yen’s advance, an Economic Planning Agency official said. The news should be welcome in Washington, which has been pushing for greater access to Japanese markets. U.S. officials have said they hope the stronger yen will put a dent in Japan’s towering trade surplus. The yen has appreciated by 12% against the dollar since the beginning of the year.