Japanese exports showed unexpected gains in January, which the Wall Street Journal reports is a result of "brisk" orders for electronics parts and construction materials.
This included semiconductors, plastics and chemicals and it supports the idea that Japan's economy will manage to keep itself out of a recession for the remainder of 2010.
Data from the Ministry of Finance showed that exports grew by 40.9 per cent year on year to meet 4.902 trillion yen (£35.2 billion).
Mizuho Research Institute economist Atsushi Matsumoto said that the figures "confirm the nation's shipments will remain strong in the months ahead thanks to demand related to expanding infrastructure in Asian countries".
Environmental Research Web recently pointed out that as the semiconductor industry develops, the world's electronic devices are getting smaller and smaller.
