South Korea Sees 36.7% Surge in Exports in Early April Driven by Chip Demand
Synopsis
South Korea's exports have soared by an impressive 36.7% in the first ten days of April, primarily due to the escalating global demand for semiconductors. This record-breaking surge highlights the nation’s pivotal role in the semiconductor market amidst the AI boom.
Key Takeaways
Exports increased by 36.7% in the first ten days of April.
Outbound shipments reached $25.2 billion , a record for this period.
Semiconductor exports surged by 152% to $8.6 billion.
Trade surplus of $3.1 billion was achieved.
Exports to China saw a 63.8% boost .
Seoul, April 13 (NationPress) — South Korea's exports witnessed a remarkable increase of 36.7 percent year-on-year in the initial 10 days of April, fueled by robust global demand for semiconductors, as reported on Monday.
During the period from April 1 to 10, outbound shipments surged to US$25.2 billion, a significant rise from $18.4 billion recorded in the same timeframe last year, according to data from the Korea Customs Service.
This achievement represents the highest level of exports ever documented for the first 10 days of any month, surpassing the previous record of $21.7 billion set last month, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Notably, semiconductor exports skyrocketed by 152 percent year-on-year to reach $8.6 billion, driven by the global boom in artificial intelligence (AI).
This figure marks the highest ever recorded for the first 10 days of a month.
Semiconductors constituted 34 percent of the country's total exports during this period, reflecting an increase of 15.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, exports of petroleum products rose by 38.6 percent year-on-year to $1.8 billion.
Conversely, automobile exports fell by 6.7 percent to $1.7 billion, and shipments of auto parts decreased by 7.3 percent year-on-year to $654 million.
In terms of destination, exports to China, South Korea's leading trading partner, soared by 63.8 percent year-on-year to $5.7 billion.
Shipments to the United States also increased by 24 percent to $4.3 billion, despite the tariff policies initiated by former President Donald Trump's administration, as indicated by the data.
On the imports side, there was a 12.7 percent year-on-year rise to $22.1 billion during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.1 billion.
By item, semiconductor imports grew by 29.7 percent year-on-year, while crude oil imports saw an 8.7 percent increase, although machinery imports declined by 7.4 percent.
Specifically, crude oil imports continued their upward trajectory for a third consecutive month, reaching $2.8 billion in the first 10 days of April, following $2 billion in the first 10 days of February and $2.3 billion in March.
The agency attributed this surge to a combination of rising global oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East and the weakened Korean won.
Point of View
The remarkable surge in South Korea's exports reflects the country's resilience and adaptability in the face of global market demands, particularly in the semiconductor sector. This performance not only strengthens South Korea's economic outlook but also underscores its strategic importance in the global technology supply chain.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What contributed to the rise in South Korea's exports?
The increase in exports was largely driven by strong overseas demand for semiconductors, which surged by 152% year-on-year.
How much did South Korea's exports rise in the first ten days of April?
Exports rose by 36.7% compared to the same period last year, reaching $25.2 billion.
What were the main items contributing to South Korea's export growth?
Semiconductors and petroleum products were significant contributors, with semiconductor exports alone increasing to $8.6 billion.
How did exports to China perform?
Exports to China, South Korea's top trading partner, increased by 63.8% year-on-year to $5.7 billion.
Did South Korea experience a trade surplus?
Yes, South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $3.1 billion during the first ten days of April.
