Japan’s exports accelerated in April because of increased shipments of cars and machines used to make semiconductors. Rising volumes suggest healthy overseas demand could help the economy recover quickly from a dip in the first quarter.
Exports grew 7.8 percent in April from the same period a year ago, below the median estimate for an 8.1 percent annual increase expected by economists. In March, exports grew an annual 2.1 percent.
In terms of volume, which strips away the impact of exchange rates, Japan’s exports rose an annual 4.6 percent in April.
Exports are likely to continue to grow thanks to increased demand for manufacturing equipment, cars and car parts.