Dec exports likely 6.6 yy vs 7.7 in Nov
Dec imports likely 11.4 yy vs 11.6 in Nov
AIrelated memory chips and other IT demand supports recovery economists

SEOUL, Dec 27 Reuters South Korea39;s exports likely rose for a third month in December albeit at a slower pace, as stronger electronics demand is seen supporting the country39;s economic recovery into the new year, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday.

Exports are expected to have risen 6.6 in December from a year earlier, a median estimate of 10 economists showed, slowing from November39;s 7.7 expansion but seen growing for a third straight month.

Exports data out of Asia39;s fourth largest economy is a closely watched indicator to gauge momentum for global trade, and Wednesday39;s poll backs the view from policymakers that improving exports will support South Korea39;s economy to expand 2.1 in 2024.

Stronger semiconductor and ship exports likely to drive the biggest trade surplus since January 2021, said Jiuk Choi, an economist at Citigroup.

In November, chips exports rose for the first time in more than a year, adding to evidence global demand is strengthening.

In the first 20 days of this month, exports jumped 13.0 from a year earlier thanks to rebounding demand for artificial intelligencerelated chips, smartphones and other technologies.

The survey also showed imports likely fell 11.4 from a year earlier, after declining at a similar pace of 11.6 in November.

That is expected to widen the trade surplus…