According to the data released by the Export and Import Division of South Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, in September this year the country's trade surplus reached $1.4 billion despite unfavorable economic conditions. South Korea's trade surplus was $800 million in August this year.
The country's total export value in September rose 19.6 percent year on year, reaching $47.1 billion, while its steel exports were valued at $3.4 billion, increasing 39.6 percent compared to the same month last year.
South Korea's export value of ships in the given period fell by 32.7 percent year on year to $3.1 billion, while its automobile exports reached a value of $3.9 billion, climbing by 40 percent year on year. Furthermore, in September South Korea's general machinery exports came to $4.1 billion, with an increase of 40.2 percent compared to September 2010.
In the given period, among the major export partners of South Korea, exports to the United States and the European Union decreased slightly; nevertheless, outbound shipments to emerging countries continued their steady path of growth compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, in September, South Korea's imports rose 30.5 percent year on year, reaching $45.7 billion. Inbound shipments climbed due to rising demand for raw materials, while imports of coal increased by 73.4 percent year on year.