Doha: South Korea's exports decreased by 1.3 percent in May compared to the previous year, ending a three-month period of growth. This decline is attributed to a significant drop in shipments to the United States, influenced by the US administration's comprehensive tariff strategies. According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that outbound shipments totaled US$57.3 billion for the month. Imports also saw a reduction, decreasing by 5.3 percent year-on-year to $50.3 billion, which resulted in a trade surplus of $6.94 billion. Specifically, exports to the United States fell by 8.1 percent from the previous year to $10 billion. This drop is primarily due to weakened automotive sector exports, impacted by the 25 percent tariffs imposed by the US administration. Exports to China also declined by 8.4 percent year-on-year, amounting to $10.4 billion. This decrease was driven by low demand for semiconductors and petrochemical products. Similarly, exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) fell by 1.3 percent to $10 billion. Conversely, exports to the European Union rose by 4 percent to $6 billion, marking the third consecutive month of growth, supported by strong demand for automobiles and semiconductors. South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun noted, "The US tariffs seem to be affecting the global economy and South Korea's exports, proven by a decrease in South Korea's exports to the two biggest markets -- the US and China." Minister Ahn further explained that the significant drop in international oil prices to the low $60 range in May led to more than a 20 percent year-on-year decline in exports of petroleum and petrochemical products, contributing to the overall decrease in outbound shipments.