South Korea exports double in early October on chip strength

South Korea's exports more than doubled from a year earlier during the first 10 days of October, driven by a strong global semiconductor upcycle, according to data from the Korea Customs Service.

Outbound shipments reached $26.1 billion in the Oct. 1-10 period, setting a new record for the period and surpassing the previous high of $15.3 billion set in the same period of 2025. The daily average export total of $4.75 billion also set a new record for any 10-day period.

Imports rose 65.5% year-on-year to $22.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.8 billion.

Key sectors contributing to the export surge included chips, which vaulted 170.9% to $12.1 billion, petroleum products (up 45.6% to $1.75 billion), and cars (up 82.7% to $1.21 billion). Steel products also increased by 49.4% to $1 billion. Ship exports, however, fell 13.4% to $682 million.

By destination, exports to China soared 167% to $7.59 billion, while those to the United States jumped 159.9% to $3.65 billion. Exports to Vietnam rose 89.7% to $2.4 billion.