South Korea Exports Rise the Most in 6 Months

Exports from South Korea grew 4.3% year-over-year to a six-month high of USD 59.8 billion in June 2025, rebounding from a 1.3% decline in the previous month, though falling short of market forecasts for a 4.7% rise.

This marked the strongest export growth since last December, mainly driven by robust semiconductor shipments, according to preliminary data.

Semiconductor exports—the country’s main export item—jumped 11.4% year-on-year to a record high of USD 14.97 billion.

Exports of computers surged 15.3%, while automobile exports rose 2.3%.

By contrast, exports of steel products shrank 8.0% due to US tariffs.

Among major trading partners, exports increased to ASEAN countries (2.1%) and the EU (14.7%), mainly supported by strong demand for automobiles and petroleum products.

However, exports to the US fell 0.5%, impacted by tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Exports to China, South Korea's largest trading partner, also declined by 2.7%, following an 8.4% plunge in May.