South Korea Exports Surge 23.5% in Early February on Strong Semiconductor Demand

Shipments Hit Record $43.5 Billion in First 20 Days​

Seoul, February 23: South Korea’s exports climbed 23.5 percent year on year in the first 20 days of February, powered by robust semiconductor demand, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service.

Outbound shipments reached $43.5 billion during the February 1 to 20 period, compared to $35.2 billion recorded in the same period last year. The latest figure marks the highest level ever for this timeframe, reflecting the sustained momentum in the country’s export-driven economy.

The surge was largely attributed to a sharp rise in semiconductor exports amid strong demand linked to artificial intelligence applications.

Semiconductor Exports More Than Double​

Exports of semiconductors jumped 134.1 percent year on year to $15.1 billion during the cited period. Chip shipments accounted for 34.7 percent of South Korea’s total exports, up 16.4 percentage points from a year earlier.

The semiconductor boom continues to anchor the country’s trade performance, reinforcing its position as a key supplier in the global technology supply chain.

Imports Rise 11.7%, Trade Surplus at $4.9 Billion​

Imports increased 11.7 percent from a year earlier to $38.6 billion. As a result, South Korea posted a trade surplus of $4.9 billion for the first 20 days of the month.

The average daily volume of exports rose 47.3 percent year on year, even though the number of working days during the period fell by 2.5 days compared to last year, totaling 13 days.

Petroleum, Vessels Gain; Auto Exports Decline​

Among other major export categories:

• Petroleum product exports grew 10.5 percent year on year to $2.9 billion.
• Vessel shipments surged 22.7 percent to $1.3 billion.
• Automobile exports, however, fell 26.6 percent to $2.6 billion.

The mixed performance highlights the continued dominance of technology-related shipments in driving overall trade growth.

China, US Shipments Show Strong Growth​

By destination, exports to China, South Korea’s largest trading partner, rose 30.8 percent year on year to $8.7 billion.

Shipments to the United States increased 21.9 percent to $8 billion, despite the tariff scheme implemented by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

January Exports Also Showed Robust Growth​

In January, South Korea’s exports expanded 33.9 percent year on year to $65.85 billion, also supported by strong semiconductor demand.

The latest data underscores the continued strength of South Korea’s export sector, with semiconductors remaining the primary engine of growth in the current trade cycle.