Japan's current account surplus rose in February for the first time in three months due to strong exports, particularly to other parts of Asia experiencing robust economic growth, the Finance Ministry said Thursday in a preliminary report.
Imports were also pulled up by soaring oil prices amid worries over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, but exports outshined imports, the ministry said.
The current account is the broadest gauge of trade in goods and services, and includes cross-border income.