1.   A day earlier, however, the Japanese released trade figures that showed its merchandise trade surplus with the U.S. fell in May.

2.   Helping to offset reduced domestic demand was strong growth in the merchandise trade surplus, StatsCan said.

3.   Japan said yesterday its merchandise trade surplus tripled in May from a year earlier.

4.   The dollar rose against the yen after Japan reported its December merchandise trade surplus fell for a sixth straight month, traders said.

5.   The dollar slipped against the yen after Japan said its merchandise trade surplus skyrocketed in April, traders said.

6.   The U.S. currency rebounded against the yen after Japan said its merchandise trade surplus increased less than expected in June.

7.   The U.S. currency was supported by a rebound against the yen after Japan said its merchandise trade surplus increased less than expected in June.

8.   The U.S. also increased pressure on Japan to keep down its merchandise trade surplus.

9.   The merchandise trade surplus is measured as goods pass customs but before adjustment for seasonal factors.

10.   The November deficit was thanks to a merchandise trade surplus, the first of the year, the central bank said.