(2nd LD) S. Korea's monthly exports hit US$115.3 bln in Oct. on strong chip sales

What happened: South Korea's exports jumped 93.7 percent to a record US$115.3 billion in October from a year earlier, driven largely by a sharp increase in semiconductor shipments, the trade ministry said. Key numbers: Exports $115.3 billion, up 93.7 percent. Why it matters: The ministry projects annual exports could reach $1 trillion as early as November if the trend continues. The industry minister cited rising protectionism, supply chain shifts and Middle East tensions as risks, and said the government will step up trade cooperation and work to remove export barriers.

South Korea's exports jumped 93.7 percent to a record US$115.3 billion in October from a year earlier, driven largely by a sharp increase in semiconductor shipments, the trade ministry said.

The ministry projects annual exports could reach $1 trillion as early as November if the trend continues. The industry minister cited rising protectionism, supply chain shifts and Middle East tensions as risks, and said the government will step up trade cooperation and work to remove export barriers.