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South Korea Smashes Export Record with $700B Milestone in 2025

South Korea's exports surpassed $700 billion for the first time in 2025, reaching $709.7 billion and making it the world's sixth nation to achieve this milestone. The growth was driven by record semiconductor exports of $173.4 billion and all-time high auto exports of $72 billion. Despite declines in shipments to the U.S. and China due to tariffs, diversification to ASEAN and EU markets supported the historic performance. This resulted in a $78 billion trade surplus, the largest since 2017.

Key Points: South Korea Hits Record $700B Exports in 2025

  • Record $709.7B exports
  • $78B trade surplus
  • Semiconductors surge 22.2%
  • Auto exports hit all-time high
2 min read

South Korea's exports hit record USD 700bn in 2025 on strong semiconductor demand

South Korea's exports soared to a record $709.7B in 2025, fueled by booming semiconductor and auto sales, achieving its largest trade surplus since 2017.

"This milestone makes South Korea the sixth nation globally to exceed the USD 700 billion threshold in annual exports. - Pulse"

Seoul, January 2

South Korea's outbound shipments surpassed the USD 700 billion mark for the first time in 2025, driven primarily by robust global demand for semiconductors and record automobile sales.

According to a report by Pulse, the English service of Maeil Business News Korea, data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Thursday showed that the country's exports grew 3.8 per cent to reach USD 709.7 billion last year. This milestone makes South Korea the sixth nation globally to exceed the USD 700 billion threshold in annual exports.

The surge in export volume contributed to a significant improvement in the national trade balance. The trade surplus for 2025 stood at USD 78 billion, representing an increase of USD 26.2 billion from the previous year. This figure marks the largest trade surplus recorded by the country since 2017, when the surplus reached USD 95.2 billion.

Sectoral performance was led by the semiconductor industry, which saw exports climb to a record high of USD 173.4 billion. This represents a 22.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the critical role of chips in the country's trade architecture. Additionally, automobile exports reached a new all-time high of USD 72 billion, growing 1.7 per cent year-on-year.

The record performance occurred despite shifts in major trade partnerships and the impact of U.S.-led tariffs. While exports to the United States declined by 3.8 per cent to USD 122.9 billion due to tariff effects, and shipments to China fell 1.7 per cent to USD 130.8 billion, South Korean exporters successfully diversified their market reach.

Strong demand for hybrid vehicles and used cars helped bolster exports to the European Union and other international markets. Specifically, outbound shipments to ASEAN countries rose by 7.4 per cent, while exports to the EU saw a 3 per cent increase. This strategic market diversification remains a key factor in the country achieving its historic export results.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
$700 billion in exports! That's more than double India's current numbers. While it's great to see their success, it also highlights the long road ahead for 'Make in India'. We have the talent and market, need better execution and policy consistency.
R
Rohit P
The semiconductor numbers are mind-blowing. $173 billion just from chips! With all the talk of India becoming a semiconductor hub, we need to move faster. Korea shows what's possible with government-industry partnership. Time to step up our game.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the shift in trade partners. Exports to ASEAN up 7.4% while China and US declined. This is relevant for India too - we should strengthen ties with ASEAN and EU markets. Diversification is key in today's uncertain global economy.
V
Vikram M
A $78 billion trade surplus is the real story here. Meanwhile, India still runs a trade deficit. We export raw materials and import finished goods. Korea shows the value of moving up the value chain. Our policies should incentivize finished product exports, not just raw material shipments.
M
Michael C
The automobile export growth to $72 billion is noteworthy, especially with hybrid vehicles driving demand. Indian automakers should take note - the future is in cleaner, more efficient vehicles for global markets. Our EV push needs to match global quality standards.
K

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