Japan’s exports rose 7.8% in February amid improved demand in major markets

Japan’s exports rose for a third straight month in February, supported by improving demand in the United States, China and the European Union, giving some hope to policymakers seeking to revive growth after last year’s weak performance.

Ministry of Finance data on Thursday showed that exports rose 7.8% in February compared to the same month a year ago, which is faster than the increase that economists expected.

The trade data comes days after the central bank abandoned its ultra-loose and unconventional monetary policy.

Exports are closely watched by policymakers who are concerned about the fragile recovery in the world’s fourth-largest economy, which narrowly escaped the recession late last year.

Imports rose 0.5% year-on-year in February, versus the average estimate for a 2.2% increase.