Japan’s exports rose at a slower pace in October, offering little extra support as the nation’s economy tries to avoid a technical recession in the second half.

The value of exports gained 1.6% from a year earlier, slowing from a 4.3% increase in the previous month, the finance ministry reported Thursday. Economists had forecast a 1% increase. Shipments were pushed up by a solid gain in cars especially to the US, but gains were limited by continued double-digit declines in chip-making gear exports.