Japan Exports Jumped 45% in February
Japan says exports in February jumped 45.3 percent from a year earlier, fueled by robust global demand for cars and electronics.
Exports grew to 5.13 trillion yen ($56.7 billion), marking the third straight month of year-on-year rise, the finance ministry said Wednesday.
Car shipments to the world surged 117 percent, while electronic machinery exports climbed 46 percent. General machinery rose 31.5 percent.
Among key markets, Asia-bound exports rose 56 percent from a year earlier to 2.78 trillion yen.
The figure underscored the growing importance of Asian markets in Japan’s economic recovery. Shipments to Asia account for more than half of the country’s total exports.
Shipments to the U.S. rose 50 percent 837 billion yen, with car shipments more than doubling. Exports to Western Europe were up 20 percent.
Imports climbed 29.5 percent to 4.48 trillion yen, resulting in a trade surplus of 651 billion yen.
TOKYO (AP)
In this Jan. 27, 2010, file photo automobiles for export park at a port in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan. Japan says exports in February jumped 45.3 percent from a year earlier. Robust demand in all major markets, particularly North America and Asia, drove the gains, the finance ministry said Wednesday March 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)