Japan's trade deficit continues.

 Japan racked up its ninth-straight monthly trade deficit in March, although the figure fell to ¥362.4B ($3.70B) from February's ¥779.5B. Exports grew 1.1% on year after shrinking 2.9% the previous month and were roughly in line with estimates. Imports rose 5.5%, largely due to a weaker yen and higher fuel-imports. Shipments to China declined 2.5%, easing off from a 15% plunge the previous month. Exports to the EU dropped 4.7%, but those to the U.S. rose 7%.