2017.12.1721:45:00UTC+00Japan November Trade Surplus Y113.357 Billion

Japan posted a merchandise trade surplus of 113.357 billion yen in November, the Ministry of Finance said on Monday - down 22.6 percent on year.

The headline figure beat forecasts for a deficit of 40.0 billion yen following the 285.4 billion yen surplus in October.

Exports were up 16.2 percent on year to 6.930 trillion yen, topping expectations for a gain of 14.7 percent following the 14.0 percent gain in the previous month.

Exports to Asia advanced 20.4 percent on year to 3.894 trillion yen, while exports to China alone jumped an annual 25.1 percent to 1.379 trillion yen.

Exports to the United States gained 13.0 percent on year to 1.368 trillion yen and exports to the European Union added an annual 13.3 percent to 717.331 billion yen.

Imports climbed an annual 17.2 percent to 6.807 trillion yen versus forecasts for an increase of 18.0 percent and down from 18.9 percent a month earlier.

Imports from Asia climbed 19.7 percent on year to 3.455 trillion yen, while imports from China alone gained an annual 21.6 percent to 1.810 trillion yen.

Imports from the United States were up 12.3 percent to 708.557 billion yen, while imports from the European Union gained 6.8 percent to 767.306 billion yen.

The adjusted trade surplus was 364.1 billion yen, beating expectations for 265.0 billion yen and up from 349.3 billion yen in October.