Japanese exports expand for 16th straight month

Japanese exports rose 2.1 percent in March - its 16th straight monthly rise, although the actual reading was well below the estimated figure of 4.7 percent. Meanwhile, Imports fell 0.6 percent in the year to March, versus the median estimate of a 5.4 percent increase, according to Reuters report. 

So, the trade surplus widened to JPY 797.3 billion vs consensus estimate of 498.3 billion. 

Key points

• Japan march exports to US +0.2 pct year/year
• Japan march exports to Asia +4.5 pct year/year
• Japan march exports to China +10.8 pct year/year