TOKYO — Japan’s exports grew at an 11.4% annual pace in February while imports declined slightly, leaving a surplus after two straight months of deficits, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday.

Japan recorded a trade surplus of $3.9 billion last month. It had a trade deficit of $2.7 billion the previous year. The surge in exports outpaced a 7% annual increase in January. Exports totaled $61 billion, while imports fell 0.7% to $57 billion.

In January, imports jumped nearly 17% year-on-year.

Japan’s exports have surged in recent months as businesses rushed to send overseas shipments before President Donald Trump’s tariffs kick in. Also Wednesday, Japan’s benchmark interest rate was left unchanged at 0.5%. — Associated Press