◀ anchor ▶
It is estimated that the trade deficit in the first half of this year exceeded 10 billion dollars.
Exports are doing well, but international oil and raw material prices have risen so much that imports have risen even more.
The stock price fluctuated again.
Reporter Shin-Young Hong reports.
◀ Report ▶
From January to June, the trade deficit in the first half was $10.3 billion.
It surpassed the record in the first half of 1997.
Exports set record highs.
Semiconductors, steel, and batteries all performed well, up 15% from last year.
However, income increased significantly.
A 26% increase.
This is due to rising international oil and raw material prices.
At this rate, this year’s trade deficit is projected to reach $14.7 billion.
Korea’s foreign exchange reserves are $447.7 billion.
Although it is different from the 1997 financial crisis, it has decreased for three consecutive months.
[문동민/산업통상자원부 무역투자실장]
“I think we are exporting hard and have competitiveness in our own way. But because the increase in energy imports is having a huge impact…”
It’s not just our country.
Countries that import a lot of energy, such as Japan, Italy and France, all have trade deficits.
The stock market also faltered.
The KOSPI index broke the 2,300 line at one point during the day and then managed to rise again.
As concerns about the US economic recession grew, foreigners sold 340 billion won today.
[김형렬/교보증권 리서치센터장]
“Literally, the market players are panicking. Investors are flocking to and fro like sheep in fear…”
International energy prices are likely to remain high in the second half of the year, so indicators such as inflation and trade balance are unlikely to improve immediately.
This is Shinyoung Hong from MBC News.
Video Editing: Ryu Daye
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