South Korean exports gain slightly in April

South Korean exports in April rose 0.4 percent from a year earlier, with the trade balance showing a surplus for the 15th straight month, government data showed Wednesday.

Brisk demand for South Korean cellphones and other electronic goods is being offset by the impact of a weaker yen, which is good news for Japanese rivals whose products are more affordable on world markets.

South Korean exports in April increased to $46.29 billion, helped by a mild recovery in the global economy, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Imports fell 0.5 percent to $43.71 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $2.58 billion, against a surplus of $2.14 billion a year earlier.

But that was smaller than a surplus of $3.29 billion logged in March, with exporters suffering from the weaker yen, which the trade ministry said would continue to affect South Korean exports.