South Korean Won Firms on Export Outlook

2026-09-29 04:56 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The South Korean won traded around 1,358 per dollar, holding close to two-year highs as strong semiconductor demand kept Korea’s export outlook favorable.

September exports are forecast to rise 62% year-on-year, while semiconductor exports surged 259.4% in the first 20 days of the month, reinforcing the outlook for export revenues and foreign-currency inflows.

Major Korean chipmakers are also expected to report robust third-quarter results amid continued AI-related demand.

At the same time, the finance ministry and Bank of Korea agreed to step up cooperation on financial market monitoring and response, while seeking a harmonious policy mix between economic and monetary policies.

Meanwhile, higher US Treasury yields raised concerns over wider interest-rate differentials and further Fed hikes.

Additionally, oil prices extended gains as uncertainty over a potential US-Iran deal kept Middle East supply concerns elevated.



News Stream
South Korean Won Firms on Export Outlook
The South Korean won traded around 1,358 per dollar, holding close to two-year highs as strong semiconductor demand kept Korea’s export outlook favorable. September exports are forecast to rise 62% year-on-year, while semiconductor exports surged 259.4% in the first 20 days of the month, reinforcing the outlook for export revenues and foreign-currency inflows. Major Korean chipmakers are also expected to report robust third-quarter results amid continued AI-related demand. At the same time, the finance ministry and Bank of Korea agreed to step up cooperation on financial market monitoring and response, while seeking a harmonious policy mix between economic and monetary policies. Meanwhile, higher US Treasury yields raised concerns over wider interest-rate differentials and further Fed hikes. Additionally, oil prices extended gains as uncertainty over a potential US-Iran deal kept Middle East supply concerns elevated.
2026-09-29
South Korean Won Holds Firm
The South Korean won traded around 1,360 per dollar, holding onto recent gains, as strong earnings prospects for Korean chipmakers continued to underpin the currency. Major Korean chipmakers are expected to report robust third-quarter results amid strong global demand for chips, keeping the outlook for export revenues and foreign-currency inflows favorable. At the same time, the finance ministry and Bank of Korea agreed to step up cooperation on financial market monitoring and response, while seeking a harmonious policy mix between economic and monetary policies. Meanwhile, higher US Treasury yields during the Chuseok holiday raised concerns over wider interest-rate differentials and further Fed hikes. Additionally, Brent crude rose above $105 a barrel amid uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, increasing Korea’s import costs and inflation concerns.
2026-09-28
South Korean Won Weakens on Higher US Yields
The South Korean won weakened to around 1,365 per dollar, reversing gains after a sharp rebound, as elevated US Treasury yields lifted the dollar. The US 10-year Treasury yield hovered near its highest level since June 2007, while hawkish Federal Reserve comments reinforced expectations for further policy tightening. The probability of another 25-basis-point Fed rate hike in October rose to roughly 70%, keeping the dollar near its strongest level in almost two months. Additionally, oil prices remained elevated, with Brent settling at $106.60 a barrel and WTI at $94.61, although reports of US-Iran talks on a phased deal to ease the Persian Gulf standoff reduced immediate concerns over supply disruptions. Meanwhile, the US and China reportedly reached a new trade arrangement and agreed to extend their trade truce until January 10, reducing near-term trade uncertainty for Korea’s major trading partners.
2026-09-24