Japan Posts Trade Surplus

Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus in September, as exports fell less than expected, AP reported. Customs figures released on Monday showed exports in September totaled 5.97 trillion yen ($57.4 billion). Imports fell 16.3% from a year earlier to 5.47 trillion yen. The surplus of 498.3 billion yen compared with a deficit of 18.7 billion yen in August. Japan’s trade balance has mostly fallen in recent months as the value of the yen has risen against the dollar. Exports had fallen 9.6% in August from a year earlier, and forecasts were for a drop of over 10% in September.