Japan’s exports increased in February for the 12th consecutive month, driven by strong demand for steel, mineral fuels and semiconductor products, Ministry of Finance data showed Wednesday.
Exports rose 19.1% from a year earlier in February. That compared with January’s 9.6% increase and was slightly weaker than the 20.5% increase expected by economists surveyed by data provider FactSet.
Exports to China grew 25.8% after a decline in January, driven by strong demand for steel and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Shipments to Asia and the U.S. increased 25.1% and 16%, respectively, driven by steel, mineral fuels and semiconductor products.