Japanese officials say the country’s exports grew in September for a second straight month, signaling a gradual recovery from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The Finance Ministry announced Monday that exports rose 2.4 percent from a year earlier, pushing Japan back into a trade surplus. The country registered a trade deficit in August.

The ministry said the value of September exports totaled more than $78 billion, while imports came to $74 billion, giving Japan a trade surplus of $4 billion.

The announcement said the recovery was led by exports of vehicles and auto parts.