South Korea Exports Rise More than Expected

2025-12-01 00:12 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

Exports from South Korea grew 8.4% year-on-year to USD 61.04 billion in November 2025, the highest for any November, accelerating from a downwardly revised 3.5% rise in October and surpassing forecasts of a 5.7% increase.

The growth was boosted by robust demand for semiconductors, the country’s top export item, which surged 38.6% yoy to a record high of USD 17.26 billion, with exports to the US jumping 39%.

Exports also increased for cars (13.7%, with shipments to the US up 11%), electrical equipment (5.2%), cosmetics (4.3%), and wireless communication devices (1.6%).

By contrast, shipments fell for petroleum products (-10.3%) and petrochemical products (-14.1%).

Among trading partners, exports rose to China (6.9%) and ASEAN countries (6.3%), while falling to the EU (-1.9%) and the US (-0.2%) due to the impact of US tariffs.

Last month, South Korea and the US announced they would reduce reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 15%.

Tariffs on automobiles and auto parts will remain at 25%.



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