Key facts
- South Korea's exports increased by 60.4% year-on-year in the first 20 days of June.
- Outbound shipments reached $62 billion, a record high for the period.
- Semiconductor exports nearly tripled, driven by AI industry demand.
- Imports rose 23.2% to $44.5 billion, leading to a $17 billion trade surplus.
- Exports to China and the U.S. saw significant increases.
South Korea's exports experienced a significant surge of 60.4% in the first 20 days of June, reaching a record $62 billion. This growth was primarily fueled by a near tripling of semiconductor shipments, which accounted for over 41% of total exports amid high global demand from the artificial intelligence industry. Imports also rose by 23.2% to $44.5 billion, resulting in a substantial trade surplus of $17 billion for the period. Exports of automobiles and petroleum products also contributed positively, though auto parts saw a decline. Key export destinations like China and the United States showed strong growth, with shipments to China increasing by 86.9% and to the U.S. by 53.9%. Overall, South Korea's combined exports for the year to date have increased by 45.6%.