Supply Chain Research

South Korean trade increased in November with a 10% growth in imports, well ahead of 3% expected by economists, likely resulting from higher oil and electronics supply chain purchases. Exports increased for only the second time since 2014, with a 12% jump in semiconductor shipments a key driver alongside a weaker won vs. the dollar. This would suggest an ongoing dearth of exports to China, which bought 9% fewer South Korea chips in the third quarter according to Panjiva data, may be over.