Supply Chain Research

South Korea’s export surge continued in September, with exports jumping 35% on a year earlier to a new record. That outpaced import growth for a third month with the result that the country’s trade surplus also reached a new record. A weaker currency helped, but demand for South Korea’s products across Asia – especially China – remained strong. Consumer demand for electronics likely drove the 70% rise in semiconductor exports, while protectionist fears and higher input costs may be the reason behind a 107% boom in steel shipments. Exports to the U.S. climbed 29%, compared to a slide of 2...