Japanese exports fell for the first time in 16 months

Japan's exports declined due to the disaster in March, said the Ministry of Finance.

Exports fell for the first time in 16 months, 2.2% versus the same month last year to 5.9 trillion yen (50,000 million euros).

The earthquake and tsunami of 11 March affected several factories in the region. Companies like Toyota suffered supply problems. Economists say the data does not reflect fully the consequences of the disaster.

In February, exports were up 9 percent over the same month last year. The trade surplus fell 78.9% to 196,500 million yen. Imports rose 11.9% to 5.7 trillion yen.