Japan's trade surplus hit a multi-year high in February, government data showed Wednesday, as exports to China rebounded after a Lunar New Year lull.

Asian markets tumbled Wednesday, tracking a US and European sell-off as the Trump-fuelled surge in equities went into reverse on fears about the prospects for his plans to fire up the world's top economy.

European stock markets turned lower on Tuesday, dragged down by losses on Wall Street where investors fretted about U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to push through his promised reforms, dealers said.

Shares in German lender Deutsche Bank enjoyed a bounce in Frankfurt trading Tuesday, after it launched a capital increase and said US authorities had closed an investigation into past manipulation of currency markets.

Deutsche shares gained as much as 3.0 percent after the market opened, before slipping back to trade at 15.80 euros ($17.05) -- still up 2.9 percent -- just before 1000 GMT.

The fallout from Brazil's rotten meat scandal accelerated Monday when China, a huge client, suspended imports and the European Union demanded a partial ban.

Another ban on Brazilian meat imposed by Chile sparked fears of a trade spat between the two South American partners.

Most Asian markets rose Tuesday following the previous day's retreat, but the dollar was hit by fresh uncertainty over Donald Trump's economic policy and contradictory views on future rate rises among two top Federal Reserve officials.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have issued a staunch joint defense of free trade, as the United States pushes towards greater protectionism.

South Korea has approached the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in connection with measures imposed by China over the deployment of a US missile defense system, Seoul's trade ministry said Monday.

Beijing has forced dozens of South Korean retail stores in the country to shut their doors and banned Chinese tour groups from visiting the South.

IFP Group (International Fairs and Promotions) held a seminar on Monday titled ‘Agro-Food and Hospitality’ at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount-Lebanon.

The seminar addressed Agro-Food export and franchising opportunities for Lebanese enterprises, taking advantage of IFP Group’s upcoming specialized events; Food Africa to be held from 22 to 24 April in Cairo, Iraq Agro-Food from 23 to 26 October in Erbil-Kurdistan, and Hospitality Qatar from 7 to 9 November in Doha.

The prospects for Scotland's economy after Brexit are at the heart of the battle between its pro-independence first minister and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who wants Britain to stay united as it leaves the EU.