Seoul: South Korea's exports rose by 3.8 percent in the first ten days of January compared to the same period last year, driven by strong demand for semiconductors, recent data revealed.

According to Yonhap News Agency, outbound shipments amounted to $16 billion from January 1 to January 10, up from $15.4 billion a year ago, as reported by the Korea Customs Service. The data also indicated a 2.6 percent increase in imports, totaling $19 billion, which resulted in a trade deficit of $3 billion for the period.

Semiconductor exports saw a significant surge of 23.8 percent year-on-year, reaching $3.18 billion. These shipments represented 32 percent of South Korea's total exports during the ten-day period, up from 26 percent in the same period last year, reflecting an upturn in the industry cycle.

Besides semiconductors, auto exports increased by 4.7 percent to $1.36 billion. However, exports of petroleum products experienced a sharp decline of 47 percent, dropping to $851 million.

In terms of destination countries, exports to China grew by 3.4 percent year-on-year, reaching $3.36 billion. Shipments to the United States also increased by 1.4 percent to $2.67 billion. Conversely, exports to the European Union decreased by 2.5 percent, totaling $1.62 billion.