Seoul, April 21 (QNA) - South Korea's exports went down 5.2% from a year earlier in the first 20 days of April due in part to sluggish shipments to the United States amid ongoing tariff measures, data showed Monday. Outbound shipments reached $33.87 billion in the April 1-20 period, compared with $35.75 billion tallied over the same period last year, according to data from the Korea Customs Service, cited by Yonhap News Agency. Imports decreased 11.8% on-year to $34 billion during the period, resulting in a trade deficit of $1 billion. By destination, exports to the US shrank 14.3% on-year to $6.18 billion, while shipments to China, the top trading partner of South Korea, climbed 7.6% to $7.64 billion. By item, exports of semiconductors increased 10.7% from a year earlier to $6.47 billion. In contrast, shipments of automobiles went down 6.5% on-year to $3.67 billion. (QNA)