[Photo] South Korean exports diminish as semiconductor industry struggles

Overall decreases in South Korean exports from May 2018 to Jan. 1-20, 2018

The first month of 2019 saw a decrease in South Korea’s exports. The decrease can be attributed to a flagging semiconductor industry, which was at the forefront of the country’s exports, as well as diminished exports to China, South Korea’s largest trading partner. According to the Korea Customs Service, exports for the period between Jan. 1 to 20 diminished by 14.6% compared to the same period last year, and the downward slope is likely to continue next month. Imports to China, similarly, for the same period decrease by 22.5% compared to last year. (Korea Customs Service)