(Reuters) –
Japanese exports rose more than expected in April from a year earlier, a sign that brisk demand from Asia underpins the country's fragile economic recovery.
The euro's weakness triggered by the European debt crisis had little effect on shipments to the region, although analysts warn the effect may be gradually felt if the crisis is prolonged.
Exports rose 40.4 percent in April from a year earlier, more than a median market forecast of a 38.9 percent increase and the fifth straight month of gains, trade balance data released by the Ministry of Finance showed.
''Exports remain very firm even after very strong growth in January-March. The pace of export growth will slow in April-June, but we expect exports to continue to expand,'' said Azusa Kato, an economist at BNP Paribas in Tokyo.
Exports to Asia, which account for more than half of Japan's total exports, rose 45.3 percent from a year earlier, while those to the United States were up 34.5 percent.
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