Seoul: South Korea's exports decreased by 7.8 percent in the first 20 days of October compared to the same period last year, as indicated by data released on Tuesday. This reduction is primarily attributed to a significant decrease in the number of working days.

According to Yonhap News Agency, outbound shipments amounted to US$30.1 billion from October 1 to 20, a decline from the $32.7 billion recorded during the same timeframe last year. The data from the Korea Customs Service also revealed that imports decreased by 2.3 percent year-on-year to $32.9 billion, leading to a trade deficit of $2.8 billion.

In contrast, September saw a 12.7 percent year-on-year increase in exports, reaching $65.95 billion due to strong semiconductor demand, marking a record high for the first time in three and a half years.