From April 1 to April 10, South Korea's exports amounted to $18.6 billion, an increase of 13.7% compared to the same period last year. The rise in working days and the strong exports of semiconductors and automobiles contributed to the increase in exports.
According to the tariff office on the 11th, the export amount from April 1 to April 10 this month was $18.5844 billion, an increase of 13.7% compared to the same period last year. The average daily export amount, considering working days, was $2.19 billion, a 0.3% increase. The number of working days for this month from April 1 to April 10 was 8.5 days, one more than the same period last year (7.5 days).
By major item, semiconductor exports increased by 32%. Passenger cars rose by 11.9%, and automotive parts grew by 10.5%. However, petroleum products (-3.9%) and computer peripherals (-14.1%) saw a decline.
By region, exports to China (8.8%), the European Union (30.6%), Vietnam (14.3%), and Japan (0.7%) increased, while exports to the United States decreased by 0.6%.
During this period, South Korea's imports amounted to $19.675 billion, an increase of 6.5% compared to the same period last year.
By item, imports of crude oil (10.2%), semiconductors (15.5%), and machinery (10.3%) increased, while gas (-19.1%) and petroleum products (-7.3%) decreased. The import value of energy resources such as crude oil, gas, and coal saw a decline of 1.2%. This decline in energy imports is believed to be influenced by falling international oil prices.
The trade balance, which is the difference between exports and imports, recorded a deficit of $1.091 billion. From January 1 to April 10 this year, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $6.177 billion.