Korea's exports of jewelry reached an all-time high since 2005 to $430 million last year.
Imports totaled $38.5 billion from April 1-20, while exports came to $35.82 billion for a deficit of $2.6 billion.
Korea's import prices climbed for a third consecutive month in March, driven by the deprecating won and rising oil prices amid persisting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Korea reported a current account surplus for 10th straight month in February, driven by recovery of chip exports.
A Japanese tourist buys gim, or dried seaweed, at a discount mart in Seoul on Sunday. The export volume of gim compiled from January and February rose 28.1 percent to $141.36 million compared to the same period the year before.
Korea's exports rose by 11.2 percent on year in the first 20 days of March due to surging global demand for semiconductors, while the trade balance came in at a deficit of $700 billion.
Korea's economy is rebounding, led by strong export growth, but some sectors lag due to weak consumption and investment, according to the Finance Ministry on Friday.
Korea added 329,000 jobs in February, driven mostly in the manufacturing sector as exports continue to rise.
Korea logged a current account surplus for the ninth straight month in January on the back of a continued trade surplus driven by the recovery of chip and car exports, central bank data showed Friday.
Koreans may soon be allowed to use short-term home leasing services like Airbnb and even sell artwork produced after 1946 to foreigners or take it overseas, all without first needing to obtain the government’s approval.
Korea JoongAng Daily Sitemap