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South Korea exports hit all-time high in March

AFP . Seoul
01 Apr 2022 17:07:32 | Update: 01 Apr 2022 17:32:07
South Korea exports hit all-time high in March
Hanjin Shipping's container terminal is seen at the Busan New Port in Busan, about 420 km (261 miles) southeast of Seoul, August 8, 2013. — Reuters Photo

South Korea's exports hit an all-time monthly high in March thanks to strong demand for semiconductors and petroleum products, Seoul's trade ministry said Friday.

The country is home to major technology firms including Samsung Electronics, the world's leading smartphone maker, whose chips are used in a wide range of devices.

South Korea's outbound shipments stood at US$63.48 billion for March 2022, up from $53.69 billion a year earlier. 

The figures are "the highest tally since 1956, when trade statistics started to be collected", the ministry said in a statement.

"Robust growth momentum continues with a double-digit growth for the 13th consecutive month".

Exports of semiconductors and petrochemicals reached a new monthly peak of $13.12 billion and $5.42 billion respectively, according to ministry data.

Imports last month surged 27.9 per cent on-year to $63.62 billion, sending the country's trade deficit to $140 million.

In January, Seoul's central bank said the country's economy in 2021 grew at the fastest pace in 11 years thanks to robust exports and strong activity in the service sector.

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