SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export grew in single digits in the first 20 days of this month due to solid demand for locally-made semiconductors, cars and ships, customs office data showed Thursday.
Outbound shipment gained 7.6 percent from a year earlier to 35.5 billion U.S. dollars during the August 1-20 period, according to Korea Customs Service.
Export for semiconductors, automobiles and ships advanced in double figures, but those for oil products and mobile devices retreated in the 20-day period.
Shipment to the United States declined 2.7 percent on the U.S. tariffs imposition, but those to the European Union (EU) and Vietnam increased in single digits.
Import expanded 0.4 percent to 34.7 billion dollars for the first 20 days of August, sending the trade surplus to 800 million dollars.
Import for chips, natural gas and machinery went up in single digits, but those for oil products and crude oil shrank in the cited period. ■
