Japan's trade surplus in the first half of 2002 jumped 56.8 percent from a year earlier to 4.99 trillion yen, marking its first rise in 3 1/2 years, according to a preliminary report released Wednesday by the Finance Ministry.

The increase was spearheaded by brisk exports to the rest of Asia, the report on customs-cleared merchandise trade shows.

As well as being the first increase since July-December 1998, it was the largest growth recorded since January-June 1998, when the nation's trade surplus increased 66.3 percent on a year-on-year basis, according to the ministry.

"The exports to Asia have greatly contributed (to the increase in the trade surplus)," a ministry official said, adding that exports have logged a year-on-year increase over the past three months following a recovery in worldwide production.

In June alone, the country's trade surplus -- exports minus imports -- surged 71.4 percent from a year earlier to 1.3 trillion yen, up for the fourth straight month.

Exports rose 1.6 percent to 25.42 trillion yen in the January-June period, marking the first increase in three half terms.

This growth was mainly attributed to increased exports of automobiles and steel.

Imports fell 6.5 percent to 20.43 trillion yen, the second consecutive half year of decline, as imports of crude oil, petroleum products and electronic components, including semiconductors, receded.

The nation's trade surplus with the rest of Asia surged 120.3 percent from a year earlier to 1.88 trillion yen, marking the first increase in four half-year terms.

Exports to the region grew 6.7 percent to 10.72 trillion yen, the first increase in three half-year terms, following an increase in exports of steel, plastic and electronic components.

Imports from the region declined 3.8 percent to 8.84 trillion yen, down for the second consecutive term, as imports of petroleum products fell.

The politically sensitive trade surplus with the United States rose 7.1 percent to 3.7 trillion yen, up for the first time in three half-year terms.

Although exports to the U.S. fell 1.8 percent from a year earlier to 7.41 trillion yen, marking the second straight half-year term of decline, imports dropped 9.4 percent to 3.71 trillion yen, down for a second straight term.

Although automobile exports to the U.S. grew, exports of optical equipment and electronic components declined. Imports of communications equipment and meat receded.

Japan's trade surplus with the European Union dropped 21.2 percent to 1.12 trillion yen, marking the seventh straight term of decline.

Exports marked a 9.8 percent year-on-year decline to 3.76 trillion yen, down for the fourth straight month, while imports slid 3.8 percent to 2.63 trillion yen, the first decline in five half terms.

The yen averaged 130.28 to the dollar in the January-June period, down 8.2 percent from a year earlier.