Japan¡¯s exports grew at a faster clip in March as demand in China rebounded, while the impact from the Middle East conflict hasn¡¯t yet had much impact on imports.

The value of overall exports rose 11.7% in March from a year earlier, accelerating from a revised 4% pace in February, the Finance Ministry reported Wednesday. The result beat the median analyst forecast of an 11% rise. Imports rose 10.9%, compared with a 10.3% gain in the previous month.

The trade surplus widened to ?667 billion ($4.2 billion) on an unadjusted basis.