Exports increased more than 15 percent in the first ten days of May on the back of strong exports of semiconductors.

According to preliminary data from the Korea Customs Service on Monday, the country’s outbound shipments marked 16-point-81 billion U.S. dollars in the cited period, up 16-point-five percent year-on-year.

Average daily exports also increased 16-point-five percent, with the number of working days the same as last year at six-and-a-half days. 

The rise was led by robust exports of semiconductors, which jumped 52 percent during the period. Exports of automobiles and ships also increased eight-point-nine percent and 193-point-six percent, respectively. 

Imports decreased six-point-seven percent from the same period last year to around 17-point-36 billion dollars during the period, resulting in a trade deficit of 554 million dollars.