Major stock exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region traded with gains on Thursday as United States President Donald Trump mentioned that "big progress" has been made on the issue of tariffs, when it comes to Japan, seemingly boosting the market mood. In data, Japan posted its trade balance, while Australia revealed its unemployment numbers.

In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite added 0.08% at 7:06 am CET, with the Shenzhen Composite growing 0.26% a minute later. While Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged 1.55% at 7:08 am CET, South Korea's Kospi Composite advanced by 0.69% at the same time.

At 7:09 am CET, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.59% and Japan's Nikkei 225 was up 0.81%. The dollar traded 0.45% above the yen at 7:10 am CET, changing hands for 142.50300.