South Korea Early-August Exports Jump 7.6%, Trade Surplus Reaches $833 Million

South Korea’s exports rose 7.6% year on year in the first 20 days of August, outpacing the 5.8% gain recorded for the whole of July, according to preliminary customs data. Working-day-adjusted exports matched the headline increase, suggesting momentum remains firm despite the drag from sweeping U.S. tariffs on global commerce. Imports in the same period inched 0.4% higher, leaving the country with a trade surplus of $833 million. The positive balance, together with resilient outbound shipments, offers policymakers some relief as they monitor the impact of trade frictions and soft global demand on the export-reliant economy. Equity investors welcomed the figures: Seoul’s benchmark index opened higher, with technology and automobile shares leading gains. Traders said the data supported expectations that Korean exporters can weather external headwinds at least through the current quarter.