S. Korea's exports surge in first 20 days of Jan.

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports jumped 48 percent during the
first 20 days of this month from a year earlier, driven by increased demand for
ships, semiconductors and flat-panel products, the nation's customs office said
Thursday.

According to the Korea Customs Service, overseas shipments amounted to US$17.86
billion during the cited period, compared with $12.06 billion a year earlier.
The increase was mostly driven by brisk sales of ships, chips and flat-panel
displays, which spiked 34.1 percent, 101.2 percent and 124.7 percent on-year,
respectively, the agency said.
Imports also expanded 20.7 percent during the cited period to $20.71 billion won,
causing the nation to post a monthly trade deficit of $2.85 billion, according to
the agency.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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