S. Korea’s exports log double-digit growth in 10 days of October

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — South Korea’s exports logged a double-digit growth in the first 10 days of this month on strong demand for locally-made semiconductors and automobiles, customs office data showed Friday.
Exports amounted to 15.31 billion U.S. dollars in the October 1-10 period, up 33.2 percent compared with the same period of 2023, according to Korea Customs Service.
The daily average export increased 9.0 percent in the 10-day period. The monthly outbound shipment kept growing for the 12th straight month through September.
Semiconductor exports spiked 45.5 percent to 3.07 billion dollars, and automotive shipments jumped 28.9 percent to 1.39 billion dollars.
Shipments for steel, auto parts, precision machinery, and home appliances gained in double figures in the cited period.
Import rose 3.2 percent from a year earlier to 17.47 billion dollars in the first 10 days of October, sending the trade deficit to 2.16 billion dollars.
Import for crude oil, coal and mobile devices fell in double digits, but those for natural gas, chips and semiconductor equipment climbed in double figures. ■