Most Asian stock indices declined due to the weaker-than-expected trade data from China. China's trade surplus declined to $31.6 billion in June from a surplus of $35.9 billion in May, missing expectations for an increase to a surplus of $37.3 billion.

Chinese exports in June rose 7.2% from a year earlier. Imports increased 5.5%.

The core machinery orders in Japan dropped 19.5% in May, missing expectations for a 0.9% gain, after a 9.1% fall in April.

On a yearly basis, the core machinery orders in Japan declined 14.3% in May, missing expectations for a 9.5% rise, after a 17.6% increase in April.

Japan's tertiary industry index rose 0.9% in May, missing forecasts of a 1.9% increase, after a 5.4% drop in April.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,216.47 -86.18 -0.56%

Hang Seng 23,238.99 +62.92 +0.27%

Shanghai Composite 2,038.34 -0.27 -0.01%