Exports 13.9 yy vs 18.4 forecast
Chip sales lead growth, auto sales fall
US demand remains strong, China shipments jump
Export growth seen weakening in H2 economists

SEOUL, Aug 1 Reuters South Korea39;s exports rose at the fastest pace in six months in July on strong chip sales but missed market expectations, trade data showed on Thursday, amid worries about a sustained recovery in China demand.

Overseas sales by Asia39;s fourthlargest economy rose 13.9 yearonyear to 57.49 billion, after a 5.1 rise the previous month and marking the fastest growth since January.

It was, however, weaker than an 18.4 increase tipped in a Reuters survey of economists.

Exports of semiconductors grew for the ninth consecutive month, rising 50.4, along with gains across other IT products, but automobiles fell 9.1 due to earlier summer vacation periods at major auto firms.

By destination, exports to the United States rose for the 12th straight month, up 9.3, while Chinabound shipments jumped 14.9 to a 21month high of 11.4 billion.

Last month was somewhat disappointing, even after taking base effects into account, said Park Sanghyun, chief economist at HI Investment Securities.

Exports momentum is seen weakening. China will be key, but recent signs raise doubts over whether its economic recovery will be sustained.

China39;s manufacturing activity weakened in July as factories grappled with falling new orders and low prices, a survey showed on Wednesday, pointing to a grinding second…