South Korea’s January Exports Jump 14.9% Fueled by Semiconductor Surge
Updated (3 articles)
Export Volume Surges to $36.36 Billion in Early January South Korea shipped $36.36 billion worth of goods from Jan 1‑20, a 14.9 % rise over the same period last year, driven primarily by semiconductor demand[1]. The increase follows a 13.4 % jump in December, indicating sustained momentum into the new year[1]. Overall export growth outpaced the 4.2 % rise in imports during the same timeframe[1].
Semiconductor Shipments Lead Growth, Accounting for Nearly One‑Third of Exports Chip exports reached $10.73 billion, up 70.2 % year‑on‑year and representing 29.5 % of total exports, nine percentage points higher than a year earlier[1]. This sector’s surge underpins the broader export expansion and highlights South Korea’s dominance in global chip supply chains[1].
Trade Balance Tightens as Imports Edge Higher, Yielding Small Deficit Imports climbed 4.2 % to $36.98 billion, narrowing the surplus and resulting in a $600 million trade deficit for the period[1]. The modest deficit reflects the combined effect of higher import demand and the rapid export growth driven by semiconductors[1].
Traditional Sectors Slip While China and U.S. Markets Expand Automobile exports fell 10.8 % to $2.87 billion and vessel shipments dropped 18.1 % to $1.33 billion, indicating weakness in legacy industries[1]. In contrast, exports to China rose 30.2 % to $8.45 billion and to the United States increased 19.3 % to $6.66 billion, underscoring strong demand from these key markets[1].
Year‑End Momentum Continues, 2025 Exports Reach Record $709.7 Billion December’s 13.4 % rise to $69.6 billion set the stage for a record‑breaking 2025 total of $709.7 billion in outbound shipments, confirming the year’s robust trade performance[1].
Timeline
Dec 10, 2025 – South Korea’s outbound shipments total US$20.58 billion, a 17.3 % year‑on‑year rise and the largest 10‑day export figure on record. “Exports rise 17.3 % in first 10 days of December” as chip shipments jump 45.9 % to US$5.27 billion, lifting semiconductors to 25.6 % of total exports. Petrochemicals and steel also post gains, while autos and vessels slump, underscoring the sector‑specific impact of soaring global chip demand[3].
Dec 20, 2025 – Export volume climbs 6.8 % to US$43 billion, setting an all‑time high for the first 20 days of any month. The headline reads “Exports rise 6.8 % in first 20 days of December to record high.” Semiconductor shipments surge 41.8 % to US$11.65 billion, now 27.1 % of total exports, offsetting a 12.7 % drop in car exports. China remains the top market, while shipments to the United States and EU fall, highlighting the export mix’s reliance on chip demand[2].
Dec 31, 2025 – Cumulative outbound shipments for the year hit a record US$709.7 billion, confirming 2025 as South Korea’s strongest export year to date. The milestone, noted in the January 2026 report, reflects the sustained chip‑driven surge that began earlier in the year and sets a new benchmark for future trade performance[1].
Jan 20, 2026 – In the first 20 days of January, exports rise 14.9 % to US$36.36 billion, driven by a 70.2 % jump in semiconductor sales to US$10.73 billion, now 29.5 % of total exports. The headline declares “Exports rise 14.9 pct in first 20 days of January on robust chip demand.” While chip exports soar, auto shipments fall 10.8 % and vessel exports drop 18.1 %, and the trade balance flips to a US$600 million deficit as imports climb 4.2 %, illustrating both the strength and the unevenness of Korea’s export engine[1].