Korea’s Exports Jump in Early Data as Global Trade Recovers (2)

South Korea’s early trade report showed exports surging in April, buoyed by a recovery of global commerce and a low year-earlier base when the pandemic forced lockdowns across the world.

Exports rose 45.4% in the first 20 days of the month from a year earlier, the customs office reported Wednesday. Average daily shipments gained 36% in the period, which had one more business day compared with in 2020.

Gains were broad-based across regions and products, with exports of cars, mobile communication devices and petroleum products all gaining by more than 50%. Semiconductor shipments rose 38.2%.

“While the growth numbers ...