Seoul, Nov 21 (NationPress) South Korea has experienced an 8.2 percent year-on-year increase in its exports during the first 20 days of November, primarily driven by robust global demand for semiconductors and automobiles, according to data released on Friday. Outbound shipments totaled US$38.5 billion from November 1 through Thursday, up from $35.6 billion recorded during the same period last year, as per the Korea Customs Service.

During this timeframe, imports rose by 3.7 percent year-on-year to $36.1 billion, leading to a trade surplus of $2.4 billion, as reported by the Yonhap news agency. The surge in exports is attributed to increased global demand for semiconductors and automobiles, despite the impact of U.S. tariff measures.

Exports of chips soared by 26.5 percent to $9.75 billion, representing 25.3 percent of the country's total exports for the mentioned period. Car exports also saw a significant 22.9 percent rise to $3.81 billion, while shipments of vessels increased by 2.3 percent to $1.15 billion.

Conversely, shipments of petroleum products fell by 19.3 percent to $2.14 billion, and steel exports dropped by 9.2 percent to $2.25 billion.

Regionally, exports to China grew by 10.2 percent to $8.22 billion, while those to the United States increased by 5.7 percent to $6.78 billion. Exports to the European Union also rose by 4.9 percent to $3.58 billion.

In October, South Korea saw a 3.6 percent increase in exports compared to the previous year, totaling $59.57 billion, largely due to strong semiconductor demand, marking five consecutive months of growth.

Earlier in November, exports surged by 6.4 percent compared to last year in the first ten days of the month, reaching US$15.8 billion from $14.9 billion a year prior. Imports during this period rose by 8.2 percent year-on-year to $17 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.2 billion.