S. Korea doubles trade surplus forecast

S. Korea doubles trade surplus forecast

SEOUL: South Korea has doubled its forecast for this year's
trade surplus to US$20 billion to reflect stronger-than-expected
exports, the commerce, industry and energy ministry said on
Tuesday.

The ministry raised its forecast for 2004 exports to $240
billion from the $218 billion projected earlier, and for imports
to $220 billion from $208 billion.

The ministry, however, said the current account surplus will
reach about $17 billion if oil prices keep rising to average $33-
$34 per barrel. -- AFP