S. Korea’s Export Momentum Holds Up Ahead of Tariff Jump

South Korea’s exports climbed again in July, driven by strong semiconductor and solid vehicle sales, and apparent front-loading by companies aiming to get ahead of an increase in US tariffs.

Exports rose 5.9% in July from a year earlier, customs data showed Friday, beating a consensus estimate of 5.1% growth. On a working-day adjusted basis, exports also gained 5.9%, following a 6.8% increase in June. Unadjusted imports edged up 0.7%, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.6 billion.