Japan trade surplus with US declined 0.9% in February

Japan's trade surplus with the US fell 0.9 percent year-on-year to JPY 624.9 billion in February. Exports to US registered 2 percent growth, while imports jumped 4.9 percent. 

While surplus declined, it is still large enough to raise concerns among Japanese auto exporters that Washington may unleash steep tariffs on imported cars and auto parts. 

Other details

Shipments to Asia fell 1.2 percent in the recording period

Exports to China jumped 5.5 percent. 

Exports to South Korea dropped 13.2 percent, while those to Singapore fell 18.2 percent.

Overall imports declined 6.7 percent, the biggest drop since November 2016.