South Korean Shares Close Lower on Failed US-Iran Talks, Hormuz Blockade by US Navy
South Korean shares closed lower on Monday after the US and Iran failed to reach common ground after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.Following the failed talks, US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned on Truth Social that the US Navy would immediately begin blockading all ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz. US forces are expected to block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 am ET on Monday.The Korea Composite Stock Price Index or Kospi fell 50.25 points, or 0.9%, to end at 5,808.62. The Kosdaq increased by 6.21 points, or 0.6%, to close at 1,099.84.In economic news, South Korea's exports jumped 36.7% to $25.2 billion in the first 10 days of April from $18.4 billion a year earlier, Monday data from the Korea Customs Service showed. Imports increased 12.7% to $22.1 billion from $19.6 billion a year earlier, resulting in a $3.1 billion trade surplus.In corporate news, HD-Hyundai Marine Engine (KRX:071970) secured a ship engine supply contract from K Shipbuilding, according to a Monday filing with the Korean Exchange. The deal is valued at 85.9 billion won. The shipbuilder will deliver the engine by May 25, 2028.Shares of HD-Hyundai Marine Engine jumped more than 5% at market close.