Despite growing exports, the trade deficit in South Korea jumped to a 56-year high in January, prompting concerns as experts believe that it could be a signal of a less optimistic 2022 economy. According to data released by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Feb. 1, South Korea’s exports in January increased by 15.2 percent from the same month last year, to $55.32 billion. This figure pales in comparison to the growth of imports, however, as imports climbed to a 35.5 percent increase over the same period last year, to $60.21 billion. Following the $590 million trade deficit last December, it’s the first time since the financial crisis of 2008 that South Korea has seen a trade deficit for two consecutive months. Furthermore, the resulting trade deficit of $4.89 billion in January is the highest since compiling trade statistics began in 1966. The ministry claimed that …