(LEAD) Exports up 78 pct in first 20 days of Sept. on robust chip shipments

South Korea experienced a significant surge in its export performance, with figures rising by 78 percent during the first 20 days of September compared to the same period from the previous year. Official data released in Sejong on September 21 indicates that this substantial growth was primarily driven by robust shipments of computer chips.

The sharp increase highlights a strong recovery and ongoing demand within the country's key semiconductor sector, which plays a vital role in the national economy. These mid-month figures serve as an important indicator of broader trade health and manufacturing output heading into the final quarter of the year.