South Korea’s exports momentum stays strong

Upward trend: An AI translation booth that employs Samsung technology at the World IT Show in Seoul. The South Korean company’s profit surged in the first quarter as its semiconductor and smartphone divisions began a turnaround. — Bloomberg

SEOUL: South Korea’s exports have made a brisk start to the second quarter based on early trade figures for April, brightening the outlook for economic growth.

The value of shipments increased 11.1% from a year earlier in the first 20 days of April, according to data released yesterday by the customs office. Imports rose 6.1%, resulting in a trade shortfall of US$2.6bil.