Japan’s export growth almost doubled in May, buoyed by shipments to China and the European Union and a rebound in U.S. demand.

Exports rose 15.1 percent from a year earlier, compared with 8.2 percent in April, the Ministry of Finance said today in Tokyo. The gain beat economists’ estimates, helping the trade surplus widen 9.3 percent to 389.5 billion yen ($3.2 billion).

Manufacturers including Honda Motor Co., Japan’s second- largest automaker, are enjoying higher demand from Asia, helping exports rebound after growing at their slowest pace in 18 months in April. Shipments to Europe rose at the fastest pace in nine months, helped by the yen’s drop to a record against the euro.

(Bloomberg)