Korea: Merchandise exports disappoint in February
Latest reading: Merchandise exports increased 0.7% annually in February, following January’s 10.1% dive but undershooting market expectations. The daily average export value—which accounts for the number of working days—fell by double digits. Meanwhile, merchandise imports were broadly stable, rising just 0.2% in annual terms in February (January: -6.4% yoy).
As a result, the merchandise trade balance improved from the previous month, recording a USD 4.2 billion surplus in February (January 2025: USD 1.8 billion deficit; February 2024: USD 3.9 billion surplus). Lastly, the trend pointed up, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance recording a USD 50.1 billion surplus in February, compared to the USD 49.8 billion surplus in January.