In brief
South Korea’s exports surged 93.7 % to a record $115.3 billion in October, largely driven by a sharp rise in semiconductor exports. Imports rose 36 %, creating a trade surplus of $42.5 billion. Exports to China and the United States grew rapidly, reflecting strong global demand for technology and automotive products.
South Korea's exports jumped 93.7 % to a record $115.3 billion in October from a year earlier, a figure reported by WAM on 1 November 2026. The increase was largely driven by a 259 % surge in semiconductor shipments, with Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources citing strong global demand for chips and continued investments by major technology firms in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Policy officials noted that silicon exports rose from roughly $17 billion to $56.4 billion, underscoring the Republic of Korea’s central role in the worldwide semiconductor supply chain. The Ministry highlighted that the accelerated growth is linked to the high concentration of AI data centers, which depend heavily on advanced processors.
Other export categories also saw significant gains. Petroleum product exports climbed 80 % to $6.92 billion, while petrochemical product shipments rose 27.5 % to $4 billion. Cosmetics exports increased 57.5 % to $1.44 billion, and automobile exports grew 18.1 % to $6.55 billion, fueled by demand for gasoline‑hybrid models abroad.
Trade statistics for October show that imports rose 36 % from a year earlier to $72.78 billion, a jump that contributed to a widened trade surplus of $42.5 billion, according to Yonhap News Agency. The surplus reflects a stronger export market relative to import activity, particularly in high‑value electronics and automotive goods.
Export destinations drove much of the growth. Shipments to China surged 133.6 % to $26.98 billion, marking China’s fifth consecutive month of double‑digit gains and its export market surpassing $20 billion. Exports to the United States increased 185.8 % to $24.9 billion, supported by robust demand for semiconductors, computers and electrical equipment used in AI infrastructure.
These figures underscore South Korea’s continued ascendancy in global trade, especially in high‑technology sectors. Analysts note that the record in October is consistent with the country’s sustained policy focus on semiconductor manufacturing and exports of advanced automotive and chemical products, setting a strong foundation for future economic growth.
