KTA Makes Predictions for 1999 Exports

The Korea Trade Association (KTA) predicts that the trade surplus will be 28 billion dollars in 1999. The KTA, on December 3, announced its report on trade conditions and predictions for exports and imports for next year.
The KTA expects that exports in 1999 will increase by only 0.4% to 133 billion dollars stemming from the sluggish economies in Asian countries, although there has been a recovery in electronics and motor industries. It also predicts that imports in 1999 will rise by 13.5% to 105 billion dollars.
Light industries' exports are expected to drop by 2.7% whereas that of heavy industries will grow by 2.4% due to good conditions in the semiconductor and motor industries. The KTA forecasted that the won against the dollar will maintain the 1,300 won level unless the yen to the 140 yen level against the dollar.