[앵커]
Last month’s exports recorded the highest level as of April, but the trade balance remained in the red for the second month in a row.
External factors, such as soaring energy and raw material prices, have contributed to a steep increase in imports, fading export growth.
Correspondent Kim Jang-hyun.
[기자]
The trade balance in April was $2.66 billion in deficit.
Following the $140 million trade deficit in March, the deficit widened for two months in a row.
Exports amounted to $57.69 billion, an increase of 12.6% from the same period last year, but imports increased by 18.6% to $60.35 billion, exceeding exports.
In particular, imports of energy such as oil, gas, and coal led the increase in imports to $14.8 billion, nearly doubling from the same period last year.
The price of agricultural products such as wheat and corn also soared, resulting in agricultural imports of $2.41 billion, the second highest on a monthly basis.
In line with the increase in exports, imports of intermediate goods such as semiconductors also increased significantly, increasing the extent of import growth.
External uncertainties such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the spread of Corona in China have had an impact on the surge in energy and raw material prices.
On the other hand, exports recorded an all-time high in April increased by 13 out of 15 major items, and 7 of them showed double-digit growth rates.
Although semiconductors and petrochemicals set new records in April and led the increase in exports, they did not escape a trade deficit for the second month in a row.
“As there are many global risk factors and unexpected factors occur, we will do our best to turn the deficit into a surplus by providing all-out support so that the increase in exports can be maintained.”
However, as exports showed a solid double-digit growth rate for 14 consecutive months, it is analyzed that the future trade balance may change significantly depending on whether external uncertainties are resolved.
This is Yonhap News TV Kim Jang-hyun.
#trade balance #deficit #commodities
Yonhap News TV Article Inquiries and Reports: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23
Report on Kakao Talk okjebo
<저작권자(c) 연합뉴스,
Unauthorized reproduction-redistribution prohibited>
2022/05/01 17:29 Send
