S. Korea's exports plunge 25.5 pct in Dec.

SEOUL, Dec. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's exports plunged 25.5 percent in December
from a year earlier mainly due to deteriorating overseas business conditions,
government data showed Monday.

According to the preliminary data provided by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy
and the Korea Customs Service, the nation's exports amounted to US$15.4 billion
during the first 20 days of this month, compared with $20.6 billion a year
earlier.
Imports also fell 15.7 percent to $18.9 billion, bringing the nation's trade
shortfall for this month to $3.5 billion. Its cumulative deficit for this year
stood at $17.2 billion, the data showed.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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