Japan rears its head on the trade front. After four consecutive months in deficit, in February the trade balance of the Asian giant returns to a positive figure. The surplus amounted to 32,9 billion yen (almost 300 million euros), against estimates for a deficit of 110 billion.
Exports showed a drop on an annual basis equal to 2,7%, against a drop of around 6,5% estimated by operators. Imports grew by 9,2%. The data was released by the Tokyo Ministry of Finance.
The Japanese economy still remains a far cry from last year's results (in February 2011 the surplus was 637 billion), but the turnaround in the trade balance indicates that the boost from international trade can help the country consolidate its fragile recovery. A record deficit of 1.476,88 billion yen was recorded in January alone.
