Japan plans $5B stimulus package

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TOKYO, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Japanese government is planning a stimulus of more than $5 billion to spur the economy, whose recovery is slowing, sources told Kyodo News.

The policy stimulus package was doubled from the previously planned $2.5 billion.

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's Cabinet is expected to approve the new package Friday, Kyodo reported.

Japan's economy was severely hit by the devastation from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Since then its export-reliant economy, the third largest in the world, also has been burdened by falling demand for its products due to the global slowdown.

Area to be targeted by the new stimulus measures would include smaller businesses affected by the natural disasters, sources told Kyodo.

Last week, Japan reported its September trade deficit rose to $7 billion, the third straight month of such negative numbers.