S. Korea's exports fall for tenth straight month in September

The slump in South Korea's exports continues for the tenth consecutive month and exports to Japan have also dropped since the start of Tokyo's export restrictions against South Korea.Our Hong Yoo has more.September was another month to forget for South Korea's exports.External conditions such as the U.S.-China trade dispute and South Korea-Japan trade dispute have hit exports to all these countries.The trade ministry says outbound shipments plunged 11-point-7 percent on-year last month to around 44-point-7 billion U.S. dollars.Imports also fell 5-point-6 percent on-year to some 38-point-7 billion dollars.The nation's exports have been in constant decline since December 2018.The actual volume of semiconductor and petrochemical exports increased in September, but their falling prices contributed to an overall decrease.South Korea's exports to Japan went down almost six percent on-year... as the neighbors remain locked in a trade spat.Tuesday marks three months since the Japanese government announced its decision to impose export restrictions on three key materials used in the production of semiconductors and displays, and the South Korean government has said export approvals for the three materials are being permitted only in a highly restrictive manner.It added that despite Korea's efforts for talks, Japan has not responded.Seoul has again urged Tokyo to reexamine its position in order to solve this issue through consultations.Yet there are some hopes for a recovery in exports as both South Korea's trade surplus and the daily average trading volume for September reached the highest level this year.Hong Yoo, Arirang News.