South Korea exports down 5.9% on auto strikes, Note 7 recall
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Imports dipped 2.3 percent from a year earlier to $33.8 billion.
It was a downturn after rebounding in August for the first time in 20 months as key carmakers, including Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and GM Korea, went on partial strikes and delayed production and exports.
Samsung's global recall of about 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones also contributed to the export downturn. Some of the phones caught fire while charging due to faulty battery cell.
The ministry said labor strikes among automakers reduced exports by 1.14 billion dollars, or 2.6 percentage points, last month.
Imports dipped 2.3 percent from a year earlier to $33.8 billion in September, sending the trade surplus to $7.1 billion. The trade balance stayed in black for 56 months since February 2012. ■