SKorean strike halts trade worth almost five billion dollars

Export-dependent South Korea said Tuesday that a strike by container truck drivers in protest at soaring fuel prices has disrupted international trade worth almost five billion dollars.
The stoppage by more than 13,000 drivers, in its fifth day Tuesday, has crippled major ports and inland cargo terminals where containers are stacking up.
The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said the strike had affected exports worth 2.31 billion dollars and imports worth 2.43 billion as of late Monday.
More than 23,000 construction drivers -- largely those who drive dump trucks, bulldozers and concrete mixer lorries -- have also downed tools since Monday -- also in protest at rising fuel prices.