S. Korea posts trade surplus in early May

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea posted a surplus in trade during the first
20 days of this month as imports declined faster than exports amid an economic
slump, government data showed Thursday.
The nation's trade surplus amounted to $1.42 billion as of Wednesday from the
start of this month, compared with a deficit of $4.63 billion a year earlier.
Exports declined 22.4 percent to $16.01 billion, while imports plunged 42.2
percent to $14.59 billion over the cited period, the data showed.
South Korea has continued to log a trade surplus this year after a $3.62 billion
deficit in January. The trade account turned into the black with $2.87 billion in
February followed by surpluses of $4.26 billion and $5.79 billion in March and
April, respectively.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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