TOKYO (AP) — Japan reports its exports rose 12 percent in 2017 from a year earlier in a strong tailwind for the economy, while imports jumped 14 percent.

The recovery in trade is driving stronger growth in Japan, though the trade surplus dropped 25 percent to 3 trillion yen ($27 billion).

The preliminary data released Wednesday also showed exports climbing 9 percent in December from a year earlier while imports surged 15 percent.

A rebound in shipments to China as its economy gains momentum has been a boon for Japan's manufacturers. Preliminary results from the Nikkei monthly survey of purchasing managers showed surging new orders helped push factory activity in January to its fastest pace in nearly four years.

Exports to the U.S., Japan's largest export market, rose 6.8 percent in 2017.