Japan's current account surplus in fiscal 2006 through March 31 grew 11.1 percent from the previous year to a record 21.253 trillion yen for the fifth consecutive yearly expansion on firm exports, the Finance Ministry said Monday.

The surplus, the largest since fiscal 1985 when comparable data became available, was boosted by strong exports and returns on overseas investments, and marks the first time the current account surplus has topped 20 trillion yen, a ministry official said.

The balance of trade in goods and services posted a surplus of 8.296 trillion yen, up 12.0 percent, the ministry said in a preliminary report.