Exports forecast to grow for 7th month in April: trade minister

Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said Friday he expects exports to rise for the seventh consecutive month in April, helped by a recovery of chip shipments. "In April, exports are expected to maintain growth for the seventh consecutive month on the back of robust shipments to the U.S., China and ASEAN," Cheong told a meeting with trade officials, adding the country is set to achieve a trade surplus for the 11th straight month as well. Cheong said that the government will make efforts to expand the trade portfolio to maintain the growth momentum, seeking economic partnership agreements with 10 developing nations, including Mongolia, Georgia and Kenya. An emergency response team composed of officials from both the government and the private sector will also continue to closely monitor the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, implementing necessary measures depending on scenarios, Cheong said. Source: Yonhap News Agency