Exports rise slightly in April amid weaker yen

Largely because of a weaker Japanese yen, the country's exports increased slightly last month from the same period of last year, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported, adding that exports to Japan have continued to decline.

Exports reached US$46.29 billion in April, up merely 0.4 percent from a year earlier, the report said Wednesday. Imports inched down 0.5 percent to $43.71 billion over the cited period.

As a result, April's trade surplus totaled $2.58 billion, a decrease of 21.5 percent or $707 million from the previous month, and the country has posted trade surplus for the 15th consecutive month in April since February last year.

The nation posted a trade surplus of $930 million with the United States and $2,930 million with China, but recorded a trade deficit of $1,930 million with Japan, according to the report.

By Josephine Liu Yan Yee

AJP