South Korea’s September exports rise 78% - Korea Herald
South Korea reported a significant 78% year-on-year increase in exports for the first 20 days of September, largely driven by a surge in semiconductor shipments. The country achieved a substantial trade surplus, with strong demand from China and the United States.
Why it matters
The data highlights South Korea's critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain and its strong economic recovery trajectory.
--> South Korea’s exports during the first 20 days of September increased by 78% year-on-year to $71.4 billion. Semiconductor shipments were the main driver of this growth, Korea Herald reports , citing data from the Korea Customs Service.
During the same period in 2025, exports totaled $40 billion. The current figure was the highest for a 20-day period; the previous record was set in June this year at $61.7 billion.
Semiconductor exports rose by 259% to $34.12 billion. Shipments of petroleum products increased by 47.8% to $4 billion, while car exports grew by 9.3% to $3.73 billion.
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