South Korean exports increased by more than eight percent in the first 20 days of November, driven by strong shipments of semiconductors and passenger vehicles.

Korea Customs Service data released Friday showed that shipments rose eight-point-two percent from the previous year to 38-point-five billion U.S. dollars during the period.

Average daily exports also rose eight-point-two percent, with the number of working days unchanged from the previous year at 15 and a half.

Shipments of semiconductors and passenger cars climbed 26-point-five percent and 22-point-nine percent, respectively, and exports of petroleum products slipped 19-point-three percent.

Exports to the United States and China increased five-point-seven percent and ten-point-two percent, respectively, while shipments to Japan fell three-point-nine percent.

Imports rose three-point-seven percent to 36-point-one billion U.S. dollars during the period, resulting in a trade surplus of two-point-four billion U.S. dollars.