JAPAN’S EXPORTS REMAINED WEAK IN FEBRUARY

TOKYO - Japan recorded its eighth consecutive monthly trade deficit in February, at 777.5 billion yen, as exports dropped by a more-than-expected 2.9% y/y. Exports to China declined by15.8% y/y due to the Chinese New Year holiday; those to Europe fell by 9.6%, while shipments to U.S. rose 5.7%.  Meanwhile, imports rose by 11.9% y/y on higher energy imports, as a result of both the weaker yen and the shutdown of Japan’s nuclear plants. (ATI).