South Korea Exports Near $1 Trillion Annual Target

2026-11-01 00:11 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

South Korea's exports soared 93.7% yoy to USD 115.28 billion in October 2026, putting the country within USD 70 billion of its USD 1 trillion annual target this year, preliminary data showed.

The latest reading surpassed estimates of 93.2%, accelerated from a marginally revised 83.7% jump in September, and marked the fastest increase since January 1974, driven by strong demand for memory chips.

Exports rose for the 17th consecutive month, with semiconductor exports surging 259.4% to USD 56.4 billion, driven by persistently strong global demand related to AI investment.

Exports of computers also jumped 496.6%, supported by increased investment in server infrastructure.

Meanwhile, exports of cosmetics and automobiles rose by 57.5% and 18.1%, respectively.

Shipments to China surged 133.6%, while those to the US jumped 185.8% and those to ASEAN countries soared 128.0%.

From January to October 2026, exports jumped 60.0% yoy to USD 930 billion, surpassing USD 900 billion for the first time.



News Stream
South Korea Exports Near $1 Trillion Annual Target
South Korea's exports soared 93.7% yoy to USD 115.28 billion in October 2026, putting the country within USD 70 billion of its USD 1 trillion annual target this year, preliminary data showed. The latest reading surpassed estimates of 93.2%, accelerated from a marginally revised 83.7% jump in September, and marked the fastest increase since January 1974, driven by strong demand for memory chips. Exports rose for the 17th consecutive month, with semiconductor exports surging 259.4% to USD 56.4 billion, driven by persistently strong global demand related to AI investment. Exports of computers also jumped 496.6%, supported by increased investment in server infrastructure. Meanwhile, exports of cosmetics and automobiles rose by 57.5% and 18.1%, respectively. Shipments to China surged 133.6%, while those to the US jumped 185.8% and those to ASEAN countries soared 128.0%. From January to October 2026, exports jumped 60.0% yoy to USD 930 billion, surpassing USD 900 billion for the first time.
2026-11-01
South Korea Exports Hit Fresh Record High
South Korea's exports jumped 83.5% yoy to USD 120.9 billion in September 2026, surpassing estimates of 61.7% and accelerating from a 68.7% jump in August, marking the fastest increase since February 1974. Exports rose for the 16th consecutive month, reaching a record monthly high after exceeding USD 100 billion for the first time in June. The increase was driven by strong demand for memory chips, with semiconductor exports rising for the 16th consecutive month and surging 263.0% to a new record high of USD 60.3 billion, surpassing USD 60 billion for the first time. Petroleum shipments also soared 72%, while exports of petrochemical products rose 5.1%. Conversely, car exports dropped 5.5% due to fewer working days during the Chuseok holiday season. Shipments to China jumped 123%, boosted by strong demand for semiconductors and wireless communication equipment, while those to the US surged 137%, supported by export growth in chips, petrochemical products, and general machinery.
2026-10-01
South Korea Exports Rise More than Expected
South Korea's exports surged 68.7% yoy to USD 98.25 billion in August 2026, surpassing estimates of 62.6% and accelerating from an upwardly revised 63% jump in July. Exports rose for the 15th consecutive month, marking the third-highest monthly figure on record, after exceeding USD 100 billion for the first time in June. The increase was driven by strong demand for memory chips, with semiconductor exports rising for the 15th consecutive month and soaring 209.0% to a fresh record high of USD 46.65 billion, surpassing USD 40 billion for the third consecutive month. Petroleum shipments also soared 65.3%, while exports of petrochemical products climbed 12.2%. By contrast, car exports plunged 29.8%, due to fewer working days during the summer holiday season and disruptions amid wage increases. Shipments to China jumped 119.3%, boosted by strong demand for semiconductors and general machinery, while those to the US soared 89.3%, supported by export growth in semiconductors and computers.
2026-09-01