- Leading Export Index indicates continuous growth for 4 consecutive quarters

□ On March 31st, the Overseas Economic Research Institute (Keri.korea.go.kr) of Korea Eximbank announced that Korea’s export growth rate is anticipated to rise by approximately 28% in the second quarter of 2010 thanks to the recovery in exports.

□ According to the Korea Eximbank 2010 2Q Export Forecast, export rates are expected to continue increasing as the global economy recovers. However, the export growth rate will slightly decrease from the first quarter due to China's exit strategy and low base effect.

□ Korea Eximbank's Leading Export Index*, the standard for future economic outlooks in exports, indicated continuous growth for the last 4 consecutive quarters due to rapid market recoveries in developed countries such as the US and increased unit prices for exports (2.0% increase from the previous quarter). Nevertheless, slower economic expansion in developing countries such as China slightly dampened growth rates in the export sector.

* Leading Export Index-A composite index that predicts the outlook for the export sector by comprehensively analyzing variables that influence Korea's exports such as economic conditions of major importing countries, prices of export products, export forecasts by industry, and sales forecasts of companies.

□ Companies are also forecasting continuous recovery in exports. The Export Business Expectation Index (EBEI) reached 123, exceeding the previous quarter's level of 110.

□ Korea Eximbank announced that it will actively meet increased financial demands driven by the continuous recovery in exports and expand support for new growth and green development sectors to further increase exports.