South Korea's exports have seen a significant increase, rising by 78% compared to the same period last year during the first 20 days of September. This growth is primarily attributed to the strong shipments of semiconductors. According to data from the Korean Customs Service, the total export value from September 1 to 20 reached $71.4 billion, a substantial increase from $40 billion recorded in the same period of 2025.
This marks the highest export volume for the first twenty days of any month, surpassing the previous record of $61.7 billion set in June of this year. The surge in exports is a positive indicator for the country's economy, which has been working to recover from the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The data also shows that imports increased by 26.7% year-on-year to $48.4 billion during the same period.
The significant increase in exports was driven by a 259% surge in semiconductor exports, which reached $34.12 billion. Additionally, exports of petroleum products and automobiles increased by 47.8% and 9.3%, respectively, to $4 billion and $3.73 billion. Other sectors that experienced significant gains include steel and ship exports, which rose by 8% and 63%, respectively.
However, not all sectors experienced growth, as mobile phone exports declined by 0.4% to $1.24 billion. In terms of export destinations, shipments to China more than doubled to $16.6 billion, while exports to the United States increased by 118% to $14.2 billion. This growth in exports to major markets is a positive sign for South Korea's economy.
The cumulative exports for the year so far have reached $764.9 billion, with a trade surplus of $225.5 billion. The strong export performance is expected to contribute to the country's economic growth and help achieve its annual economic targets. The government's efforts to promote exports and support industries have been paying off, with various sectors experiencing significant growth.
The growth in exports is also attributed to the country's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on traditional industries. The government's initiatives to support the development of new industries, such as semiconductors and renewable energy, have been instrumental in driving growth. As the global economy continues to recover, South Korea's exports are expected to remain strong.
The country's economic growth is expected to be driven by the strong export performance, with the government forecasting a growth rate of 2.5% for this year. The export growth is also expected to have a positive impact on employment and income levels, contributing to the overall economic well-being of the country. With the global economy continuing to evolve, South Korea's export sector is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory.
Key points
- South Korea's exports surged by 78% in the first 20 days of September, driven by strong semiconductor shipments.
