STOCKS | South Korea's Exports Jump 78.3% in First 20 Days of September

South Korea's exports rose 78.3% year over year to $71.4 billion from September 1 to 20, setting a record for the period. According to Sina Finance, South Korea's customs agency said the surge was driven by explosive growth in semiconductor shipments. After adjusting for working-day effects, exports were up 89.8% from a year earlier. Semiconductor exports climbed 259.4% to $34.12 billion, accounting for 47.8% of total exports. Imports increased 26.7% to $48.4 billion, leaving a preliminary trade surplus of $22.97 billion. Exports to the U.S. jumped 118%, while shipments to Vietnam and the European Union rose 44.8% and 37%, respectively. By category, petroleum product exports increased 47.8% and automobile exports rose 9.3%.