Südkorea Exports YoY

South Korea’s exports surged 33.9% yoy to USD 65.85 billion in January 2026, following a downwardly revised 13.3% increase in December 2025. It was the strongest export growth since June 2021, mainly driven by robust demand for semiconductors, the country’s top export item, which jumped 102.7% on strong AI-related demand. The increase was also supported by a higher number of working days compared with January last year. It also marked the highest January figure on record and the first time January exports exceeded USD 60 billion. Outbound shipments also grew for cars (21.7%), wireless communication devices (66.9%), computers (89.2%), and petroleum products (8.5%). Among trading partners, exports to China jumped 46.7%, while total exports to the US advanced 29.5%. However, car and machinery exports to the US fell 13% and 34%, due to the impact of tariff effects. Last year, exports totaled a record USD 709.7 billion in 2025, surpassing USD 700 billion for the first time.