Korea: Merchandise exports rise at a quicker pace in March
Latest reading: Merchandise exports increased 3.0% in annual terms in March, on the heels of February’s 0.7% increase but below market expectations. IT products was the key category driving the expansion. The daily average export value—which accounts for the number of working days—was up 5.5%. Meanwhile, merchandise imports climbed 2.3% in annual terms in March (February: +0.1% yoy).
As a result, the merchandise trade balance improved from the previous month, recording a USD 4.9 billion surplus in March (February 2025: USD 4.2 billion surplus; March 2024: USD 4.4 billion surplus). Lastly, the trend pointed up, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance recording a USD 50.7 billion surplus in March, compared to the USD 50.1 billion surplus in February.