The broadest measure of Japan’s trade surplus...

The broadest measure of Japan’s trade surplus shrank 12.7% in April from its level of a year earlier as imports climbed 30% to record levels, according to government figures. The current account, which covers trade in merchandise as well as services and investment income, posted a $7.12-billion surplus, down from a $8.15-billion surplus a year earlier and an $8.12-billion surplus in March, the Finance Ministry said. Japan’s surplus also declined in the narrower measure of merchandise trade alone, falling 4.5% to $8.49 billion from $8.89 billion a year earlier and $9.24 billion in March.