S. Korea's exports grow 24.8% in first 10 days of April

South Korea's exports grew 24.8 percent on-year to $15 billion in the April 1-10 $12 billion a year earlier, according to the Korea Customs Service.

Meanwhile, imports jumped 14.8 percent on-year to $16.7 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.7 billion during the period.

The growth in exports was primarily due to robust demand for chips, which rose 24.8 percent on-year, and autos, which gained 29.8 percent.

Semiconductors accounted for about 20 percent of exports while autos made up some 7 percent.

Shipments of telecommunication products soared 52.5 percent on-year while those of petroleum products surged 35.2 percent as oil prices picked up amid an economic recovery.

By country, exports to China jumped 27.6 percent on-year, while those to the US increased 22.6 percent.

The country's exports, which account for half of the economy, advanced 16.6 percent on-year in March to extend their gains for the fifth consecutive month.

Overseas shipments grew 12.7 percent on-year to $146.7 billion in the first quarter.