Japan posts surprise trade surplus as exports recover 21 July 2011 Last updated at 04:11 GMT

Exports started to recover in Japan after the 11 March earthquake and tsunami

Japan has posted a trade surplus for the first time in three months, as exports start to recover after the 11 March earthquake and tsunami disrupted production.

The country had an unexpected trade surplus of 70.7bn yen ($898m; £556m) in June, the finance ministry said.
Exports were down by less than expected versus a year earlier.
The data underscores a recovery in the hard-hit auto sector as production improves and shipments rebound.
"These numbers are comforting as they show supply chains and production are clearly in recovery," said Yasuo Yamamoto from Mizuho Research Institute in Tokyo.
Revving up Exports decreased 1.6% in June from a year earlier, however that is the slowest fall in four months, the report said.
Most economists were expecting a drop of 4.1%, after exports recorded a 10.3% year-on-year fall in May.
"The data shows exports are recovering more quickly than expected as production returns to pre-quake levels, mainly at car makers," said Takeshi Minami, from Norinchukin Research Institute.
Many manufacturers faced supply chain shortages and power cuts in the aftermath of the record-breaking earthquake.