Japan had a merchandise trade surplus of 358.971 billion yen in December, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday.
That was shy of expectations for a surplus 520.0 billion yen following the 113.4 billion yen surplus in November.
Exports climbed 9.3 percent on year, also missing forecasts for a gain or 9.8 percent and down from 16.2 percent in the previous month.
Imports advanced an annual 14.9 percent versus expectations for a gain of 12.4 percent and down from 17.2 percent a month earlier.
by RTT Staff Writer
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