South Korea Exports Rose 52.6 Percent in Early May
South Korean exports increased 52.6 percent year-over-year in the first 20 days of May. The gain was led by semiconductor and computer shipments tied to AI demand.
upi.comThe figure marks an acceleration from the 49.4 percent increase recorded in the first 20 days of April. It is the fourth consecutive month with growth of at least 40 percent.
Semiconductor exports jumped 202.1 percent year-over-year, driven by demand from AI and data-center investment. Computer-related product shipments rose 305.5 percent on the same basis, supported by continued spending on AI infrastructure. On an unadjusted basis, total exports climbed 64.8 percent while imports increased 29.3 percent, producing a trade surplus of $11 billion.
The data cover the period ending May 20.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- First 20 days of April
Exports rose 49.4 percent year-over-year.
1 source@KobeissiLetter - First 20 days of May
Exports rose 52.6 percent year-over-year.
1 source@KobeissiLetter
Potential Impact
- 01
A sustained trade surplus could ease pressure on the central bank’s foreign-reserve management.
Transparency Panel
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