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South Korea's Exports Surge 14.9% in January on Chip Boom

South Korea's exports grew 14.9% year-on-year in the first 20 days of January, reaching $36.36 billion. The surge was powered by a remarkable 70.2% increase in semiconductor exports, which accounted for nearly 30% of total shipments. Exports to China, its largest trading partner, rose 30.2%, while shipments to the United States increased 19.3%. This continues an 11-month streak of export growth, following a record year for outbound shipments in 2025.

Key Points: S. Korea Exports Jump 14.9% in Jan on Strong Chip Demand

  • Exports hit $36.36B in Jan 1-20
  • Chip exports soared over 70%
  • Trade deficit of $600 million recorded
  • Strong growth to China and US markets
2 min read

S. Korean exports rise 14.9 pc in January on robust chip demand

South Korea's exports rose 14.9% in early January, driven by a 70% surge in semiconductor shipments. Trade data shows growth with China and the US.

"exports of semiconductors surged 70.2 per cent from a year earlier - Korea Customs Service data"

Seoul, Jan 21

South Korea's exports expanded 14.9 per cent from a year earlier in the first 20 days of this month, driven by strong demand for semiconductors, data showed on Wednesday.

Outbound shipments reached US$36.36 billion in the January 1-20 period, compared with $31.63 billion tallied over the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service, reports Yonhap news agency.

Imports increased 4.2 per cent on-year to $36.98 billion during the period, resulting in a trade deficit of $600 million, the data showed.

The daily average volume of exports also advanced 14.9 per cent on-year, as the number of working days during the period remained unchanged at 14.5 days from a year earlier.

By item, exports of semiconductors surged 70.2 per cent from a year earlier to $10.73 billion. Chip exports accounted for 29.5 per cent of the country's total exports over the cited period, up 9.6 percentage points from the same period last year.

Exports of petroleum products went up 17.6 per cent to $2.46 billion, and steel exports edged up 1.2 per cent to $2.4 billion.

But automobile exports sank 10.8 percent on-year to $2.87 billion, while shipments of vessels dipped 18.1 per cent to $1.33 billion.

By destination, exports to China, South Korea's top trading partner, soared 30.2 per cent on-year to $8.45 billion.

Shipments to the United States jumped 19.3 per cent to $6.66 billion despite the tariff scheme by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the data showed.

In December, exports expanded 13.4 per cent from a year earlier to $69.6 billion on strong demand for semiconductors, marking the 11th consecutive month of an on-year increase.

For 2025, outbound shipments reached an all-time high of $709.7 billion.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A 70% jump in chip exports is massive! 🇰🇷 South Korea's focus on R&D and creating giants like Samsung really pays off. While we celebrate their success, it's a reminder that our PLI schemes need to deliver tangible results faster. We have the talent, we need the execution.
R
Rohit P
Interesting to see exports to China up by 30%. Despite all the geopolitical talk, trade finds a way. The auto and ship sectors dipping is a concern though. Maybe global demand is shifting. Hope our manufacturing exports can also show such consistent growth figures soon.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, this data is a clear signal. The AI boom is driving this chip demand. India's strategy should be to not just assemble, but to move up the value chain into design and advanced packaging. Our IT exports are strong, but hardware is the next frontier.
V
Vikram M
Good for them! But let's also look at the trade deficit of $600 million. Growth in exports is one thing, but managing imports is equally important for a healthy trade balance. Our policymakers should study both sides of this equation.
K
Karthik V
The consistency is key - 11th month of growth! It shows a resilient, diversified export engine. While semiconductors lead, other sectors like petroleum and steel also contributed. India needs such broad-based export strength, beyond just services. A lesson in building industrial champions.

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