S. Korea January exports fall 10.3% amid the Lunar New Year break.

Sejong, South Korea—South Korean exports declined 10.3 percent to USD 49.1 billion in January 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy data on Monday.

The country recorded a trade deficit of USD 1.9 billion as imports decreased 6.4 percent to USD 51.0 billion.

The ministry reported that working days fell to 20 in January 2025 from 24 in January 2024 due to the Seollal holiday period of January 25-30.

The average daily export value rose 7.7 percent to USD 2.5 billion, marking the second-highest historical level after January 2022.

Semiconductor exports increased 8.1 percent to USD 10.1 billion, sustaining growth for 15 consecutive months. Computer exports advanced 14.8 percent to USD 0.8 billion, marking 13 straight months of growth.

Automotive exports fell 19.6 percent to USD 5.0 billion, auto parts decreased 17.2 percent to USD 1.6 billion, and petroleum product exports declined 29.8 percent to USD 3.4 billion.

China-bound exports decreased 14.1 percent to USD 9.2 billion, U.S. exports fell 9.4 percent to USD 9.3 billion, ASEAN exports declined 2.1 percent to USD 8.6 billion, and Vietnam-bound shipments increased 4.0 percent to USD 4.4 billion.