Oct. 1–20 exports total $61.6 billion, up 105.4% ... a record high for the same period in October

[Financial News] Exports from Oct. 1–20 rose 105.4% from the same period last year to $61.6 billion, setting a record for the same period in October. Semiconductor exports surged 222.5% to $27.5 billion, a record high, driving the increase in exports.   According to preliminary trade figures for Oct. 1–20 compiled by the Korea Customs Service on the 21st, exports reached $61.6 billion, up 105.4% year over year. This was the largest export total ever for the same period in October.
 Average daily exports, adjusted for the number of working days, also hit a record $4.74 billion, up 65.9%. There were 13.0 working days during the period, 2.5 days more than a year earlier. The previous record for average daily exports over the same period was $4.6 billion, set last month.
 Among major export items, semiconductor exports rose 222.5%, driving the increase in exports. Semiconductors accounted for 44.7% of total exports, up 16.2 percentage points from the same period last year. Semiconductor exports totaled $27.5 billion, a record for October. Exports of petroleum products (68.3%), passenger cars (40.9%) and computer peripherals (424.0%) also increased.
 Exports to China (154.4%), the United States (154.9%), Vietnam (74.6%), the European Union (78.2%) and Taiwan (36.7%), among others, increased. The three largest destinations—China, the United States and Vietnam—accounted for 52.7% of exports.
 Imports during the period rose 42.8% to $47.1 billion. The trade balance consequently posted a surplus of $14.5 billion.
 Among major import items, imports of semiconductors (78.4%), crude oil (42.9%), gas (112.4%) and machinery (43.7%), among others, increased. The value of energy imports, including crude oil, gas and coal, rose 53.5%. 
 Imports from China (71.1%), the United States (12.9%), the European Union (34.6%), Taiwan (84.2%) and Japan (45.6%), among others, increased.

[email protected] Kim Won-jun Reporter