Reuters
* Import surge overwhelms exports, deepening trade deficits * Reuters Tankan sentiment index improves, outlook weak * Machinery orders underscore brisk corporate activity * Prospects for global downturn cloud outlook -analyst (Adds analyst quote, detail) By Tetsushi Kajimoto and Kantaro Komiya TOKYO, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Japan's imports jumped to a record amount in July, boosted by global fuel inflation and a weak yen, outweighing exports and deepening the trade deficit, in a sign of a further worsening in the terms of trade for the export-oriented economy. The trade data came on the heels of Reuters Tankan, which showed improvement in Japan's business sentiment in August, while a key gauge of corporate capital spending rebounded in June from the previous month's decline.