South Korea Exports Jump 36.7% in First 10 Days of April

2026-04-13 02:16 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

South Korea’s exports surged 36.7% from a year earlier to USD 25.2 billion in the first 10 days of April, data from the Korea Customs Service showed on Monday.

The latest reading marked the highest level ever recorded for the first 10 days of a month, mainly boosted by a jump in semiconductor shipments.

Semiconductor exports soared 152.5% to USD 8.573 billion, accounting for 34.0% of total exports, up from 31.5% in the previous month, marking the third consecutive month in which semiconductors accounted for over 30% of total exports.

At the same time, shipments of petroleum products jumped 38.6%, and ships surged 26.6%.

In contrast, exports declined for both passenger cars (-6.7%) and automotive parts (-7.3%).

Among trading partners, exports surged to China, South Korea’s top trading partner (63.8%), as well as the US (24.0%), Vietnam (66.6%), and Taiwan (68.3%).

Meanwhile, imports rose 12.7% yoy to USD 22.1 billion during the period, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 3.1 billion.



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South Korea Exports Jump 36.7% in First 10 Days of April
South Korea’s exports surged 36.7% from a year earlier to USD 25.2 billion in the first 10 days of April, data from the Korea Customs Service showed on Monday. The latest reading marked the highest level ever recorded for the first 10 days of a month, mainly boosted by a jump in semiconductor shipments. Semiconductor exports soared 152.5% to USD 8.573 billion, accounting for 34.0% of total exports, up from 31.5% in the previous month, marking the third consecutive month in which semiconductors accounted for over 30% of total exports. At the same time, shipments of petroleum products jumped 38.6%, and ships surged 26.6%. In contrast, exports declined for both passenger cars (-6.7%) and automotive parts (-7.3%). Among trading partners, exports surged to China, South Korea’s top trading partner (63.8%), as well as the US (24.0%), Vietnam (66.6%), and Taiwan (68.3%). Meanwhile, imports rose 12.7% yoy to USD 22.1 billion during the period, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 3.1 billion.
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