Siena:Exports from South Korea more than doubled in the first 10 days of October compared to the same period last year, primarily due to a global semiconductor upcycle.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's outbound shipments reached $26.1 billion from October 1 to 10, the highest value recorded for this period, surpassing the previous record of $15.3 billion set in 2025. The daily average export total also set a new record at $4.75 billion for any 10-day period.
Imports increased by 65.5 percent year-on-year to $22.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.8 billion. By sector, chip exports soared by 170.9 percent to $12.1 billion, while petroleum product exports rose by 45.6 percent to $1.75 billion. Car exports surged by 82.7 percent to $1.21 billion, and steel products saw a 49.4 percent increase to $1 billion. However, ship exports declined by 13.4 percent to $682 million.
By destination, exports to China increased by 167 percent to $7.59 billion, while shipments to the United States rose by 159.9 percent to $3.65 billion. Exports to Vietnam grew by 89.7 percent to $2.4 billion.