SEOUL, Nov 1 Reuters South Korea39;s exports in October rose in annual terms for the first time in 13 months, as shipments to the United States were robust while the weakness in China demand eased slowly.

Overseas sales last month by Asia39;s fourthlargest economy rose 5.1 yearonyear to 55.09 billion, trade data showed on Wednesday. That, however, was weaker than a median 5.5 gain tipped in a Reuters survey of economists.

It swung from a 4.4 fall the previous month and marked the first yearonyear increase since September 2022.

By destination, exports to the United States gained 17.3, the most since May 2022, while Chinabound shipments fell 9.5, the least in 13 months.

Exports of cars rose 19.8, extending gains to a 16th straight month, while petroleum products also jumped 18.0, after seven straight months of decline.

Semiconductor shipments fell for the 15th consecutive month, but the 3.1 drop in October was the smallest in the streak.

Semiconductors, with their prices having bottomed out, are leading the recovery of exports, while Chinabound exports are also improving slowly, said Lee Jeonghoon, an analyst at Eugene Investment Securities.

It is difficult to say China39;s economy is strong and there is uncertainty over demand in other major countries next year, but for the time being, exports will likely continue to recover, he said.

Trade Minister Bang Moonkyu said after the data release the government would make a big push to ensure exports continue to improve…