SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports edged up in the first 10 days of this month due to robust demand for locally-made semiconductors and automobiles, customs office data showed Tuesday.
Exports came to 14.88 billion U.S. dollars in the Feb. 1-10 period, up 0.8 percent compared with the same period of last year, according to Korea Customs Service.
The daily average exports shrank 6.4 percent in the 10-day period. The monthly outbound shipment decreased 10.3 percent in January, marking the first reduction in 16 months.
In the Feb. 1-10 period, semiconductor exports rose 1.8 percent to 2.83 billion dollars, and automotive shipment spiked 27.1 percent to 1.41 billion dollars.
Shipment for mobile devices and computers grew in double digits, but those for oil products, auto parts and home appliances retreated in double figures.
Imports inched up 0.3 percent from a year earlier to 17.11 billion dollars in the first 10 days of February, sending the trade deficit to 2.23 billion dollars.
Imports for semiconductors, machinery and cars increased in double digits, but those for crude oil, natural gas, coal and mobile devices logged a double-digit reduction. ■
