Exports up 56% in first 20 days of Aug. on robust chip shipments

South Korea's exports surged 56 percent from a year earlier over the first 20 days of August, customs data showed Friday, with shipments of semiconductors reaching a fresh high. Outbound shipments reached $55.2 billion in the Aug. 1-20 period, according to data from the Korea Customs Service. It was the highest level for the 20-day period for any August. Imports went up 19 percent on-year to $41.2 billion over the cited period, resulting in a trade surplus of $14 billion. The customs agency note