0935 GMT - South Korea trade data for the first 20 days of April looks like a bad omen for Asia, with Nomura analysts viewing the much weaker-than-expected print as a sign that regional export growth is in for a double-digit decline. The contraction in Korean exports was broad-based and the analysts see no signs of the expected front-loading boost. Instead, they note a visible impact in tariff-hit sectors like autos and steel, despite the U.S. pause on reciprocal tariffs. Korea's exports to the U.S. fell sharply, while shipments to key trading partners like Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam also swung into negative territory. All told, the data backs Nomura's view that Asia's export growth is headed sharply lower. (fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 21, 2025 05:35 ET (09:35 GMT)

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