TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Tuesday, with the Nikkei briefly up over 2 percent, as heavyweight semiconductor issues were lifted by optimism after Japan-made chip products were exempted from new U.S. curbs on exports to China.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 735.84 points, or 1.91 percent, from Monday at 39,248.86. The broader Topix index finished 38.86 points, or 1.43 percent, higher at 2,753.58.

On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation, nonferrous metal and wholesale trade issues.

The U.S. dollar briefly strengthened to trade in the lower 150 yen range in Tokyo, as the Japanese currency, considered a safe-haven asset, was sold following sharp gains in the Tokyo equities market, dealers said.

At 5 p.m., the dollar fetched 150.01-02 yen, compared with 149.53-63 yen in New York and 150.24-26 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.

The euro was quoted at $1.0497-0498 and 157.47-51 yen against $1.0493-0503 and 156.97-157.07 yen in New York and $1.0501-0503 and 157.77-81 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond ended at 1.075 percent, unchanged from its close on Monday.

Stocks jumped, with the Nikkei ending above 39,000 for the first time since mid-November. Cyclical stocks that benefit from a stronger economy such as shipping firms gained on better-than-expected U.S. manufacturing data overnight, analysts said.

Analysts said Japan's exclusion from export controls announced by the U.S. government on Monday, aimed at restricting China's access to advanced technology, alleviated concerns that the curbs could hamper Japan's chip industry.

"Investors had been cautious despite some reports about an exemption recently, but the latest news offered a sense of relief," said Masahiro Ichikawa, chief market strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Co.

But he added that it is uncertain whether stocks will continue rising, as the market needs more time to examine policies to be introduced by President-elect Donald Trump as well as the earnings of Japanese companies.

The incoming U.S. president's pledges to introduce new tariffs have raised concerns over global trade.