Are Exports from Major South Korean Corporations Rising Due to Semiconductor Demand?
Synopsis
In a significant development, South Korea's major companies have reported a remarkable 10% surge in exports, largely propelled by an increase in global semiconductor demand. This trend, reflected in government data, showcases the resilience of the nation's economy amidst ongoing global trade challenges. Discover how this growth impacts various sectors and the overall economic landscape.
Key Takeaways
10% increase in large South Korean firm exports.
Semiconductors led the growth with a 9.1% rise .
Exports to the U.S. fell by 3.8% .
Central America and Middle East exports increased by 32.2% and 19.8% .
Major conglomerates saw double-digit sales growth in North America.
Seoul, Feb 10 (NationPress) Exports from large South Korean firms surged by about 10 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter, thanks to an uptick in global semiconductor demand, according to government data released on Tuesday.
Outbound shipments from the top 917 companies out of the nation's 70,223 exporting firms reached US$128.1 billion by the end of December, marking an increase of 10.1 percent compared to the previous year, as reported by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, according to Yonhap news agency.
This growth was chiefly driven by semiconductors, with exports rising 9.1 percent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, medium-sized enterprises saw their exports remain steady at $30.9 billion, while small businesses experienced a growth of 10.8 percent year-on-year, reaching $30.3 billion.
When examining exports by region, shipments to the United States fell by 3.8 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2024, partly due to trade uncertainties arising from the sweeping tariffs imposed during the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Contrarily, outbound shipments to Central America and the Middle East witnessed significant increases of 32.2 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively, as companies strive to diversify their markets.
"Many businesses still seem uncertain about reinstating exports to the U.S. due to ongoing tariff ambiguities, including tensions surrounding a pending trade deal at the National Assembly," noted a ministry official.
In a related context, sales by major South Korean conglomerates and their affiliates in North America grew at a double-digit rate in the third quarter, despite the existing U.S. import tariffs, according to industry data released on Tuesday.
In total, 67 conglomerates and their 194 affiliates reported combined sales in the U.S. of 343.8 trillion won (US$235.6 billion) during the July-September period, reflecting a rise of 14.1 percent from 301.2 trillion won a year ago, based on a survey by corporate tracker Leaders Index.
The survey included companies from the top 500 firms by sales that disclosed their third-quarter U.S. sales.
During the same time frame, the surveyed companies' total global sales increased by 8 percent year-on-year to 1,110.4 trillion won, elevating the share of U.S. sales in overall revenue from 29.3 percent to 31 percent.
In terms of specific sectors, information technology (IT) and electronics companies showed the highest growth, with U.S. sales soaring 20.7 percent year-on-year to 157.9 trillion won in the third quarter.
Sales from SK hynix in the U.S. jumped 65.5 percent to 45.2 trillion won, and Samsung Electronics Co. experienced a rise of 10.2 percent to 93.3 trillion won during the same period.
Point of View
It's clear that South Korea's export growth, largely fueled by semiconductor demand, reflects the resilience and adaptability of our economy. Despite challenges such as U.S. trade uncertainties and tariffs, our firms are finding new avenues for growth, particularly in emerging markets. This trend is crucial for maintaining our competitive edge in the global arena.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the percentage increase in South Korean exports?
Exports of large South Korean firms rose approximately 10.1 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter.
What sector primarily drove the export growth?
The growth was primarily led by semiconductors, with exports increasing by 9.1 percent on-year.
How much did exports to the U.S. decline?
Exports to the United States fell by 3.8 percent from the same period in 2024.
What regions saw an increase in South Korean exports?
Exports to Central America and the Middle East rose significantly by 32.2 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively.
How did major conglomerates perform in North America?
Sales by major South Korean conglomerates in North America rose at a double-digit pace, reaching 343.8 trillion won.
