Japan has posted a trade surplus for the first time in three months, as exports start to recover after the earthquake and tsunami.
The finance ministry said there was an unexpected trade surplus of 70.7 billion yen ($US898 million) in June.
Exports were still down from a year earlier, but rose by 5.4% from May.
Exports decreased 1.6% in June from a year earlier. However, the ministry said that was the slowest fall in four months.
Many manufacturers faced supply chain shortages and power cuts after the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March.
However, the BBC reports the economy still faces challenges from the strength of the yen and the uncertainty in the global economy.
The yen rose to a four month high on 14 July.
