South Korea's exports increased nine-point-two percent during the first 20 days of January on-year, thanks to a jump in the shipments of semiconductors and petrochemical goods.
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​According to data from the Korea Customs Service on Sunday, the country's shipments came to 30 billion U.S. dollars from January first to the 20th.
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​Exports of chips and petrochemical products jumped 41-point-two percent and 24-point-three percent, respectively, while shipments of automobiles and wireless communication devices decreased six-point-three percent and five-point-eight percent each.
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​Exports to Vietnam and China jumped 50-point-seven percent and ten-point-six percent, respectively, while exports to the United States fell six percent.
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​Imports gained 14-point-one percent to 30-point-one billion dollars, resulting in a trade deficit of 84 million dollars.
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​If the trend continues, the nation is likely to post growth in exports for the 15th consecutive month in January.