South Korea’s October exports expected to fall as trade uncertainties loom

A Reuters poll found that South Korea’s exports are forecast to decline 0.2% year-on-year in October, the first drop after four months of gains, amid trade-policy uncertainty and weaker global demand. Imports are seen falling around 1.8% year-on-year. Analysts cited headwinds for non-semiconductor sectors and a protracted recovery in shipbuilding and other heavy industries. Industrial output for September is seen barely up at 0.1% month-on-month while inflation is estimated at 2.1% year-on-year. The data raise fresh concerns over trade-sensitive Asian-economy momentum.