Japan's export growth slows

Exports rose 4.3 percent in March from the same period last year, according to the Finance Ministry. Economists had expected a 2.6 percent increase. Exports rose 6.5 percent in February. Japan’s trade deficit narrowed for the second time in March as fuel prices fell and import costs lowered. The trade deficit narrowed to 754.5 billion yen ($5.6 billion) from a revised 898.1 billion yen in February, the finance ministry reported on Thursday. Economists had forecast a deficit of 1.29 trillion yen. Imports rose 7.3 percent from a year earlier, the smallest increase in two years, as a stronger yen and falling commodity prices including oil held back import costs. The 11.4 percent increase had been expected. February’s increase was 8.3 percent. Exports rose 4.3 percent from a year earlier, led by car shipments. Economists had expected a 2.6 percent increase. Exports increased by 6.5 percent in February.