South Korea’s exports jumped 8.2 percent year-on-year during the first 20 days of November, buoyed by robust global demand for semiconductors and automobiles, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service.
Outbound shipments reached $38.5 billion between November 1 and 20, up from $35.6 billion a year earlier, according to state media. Imports also climbed, rising 3.7 percent to $36.1 billion, resulting in a $2.4 billion trade surplus for the period.
Semiconductors continued to power overall export growth despite U.S. tariff measures affecting global trade flows. Chip exports surged 26.5 percent to $9.75 billion, accounting for more than a quarter of South Korea’s total outbound shipments.
Automobile exports also remained strong, increasing 22.9 percent to $3.81 billion, while ship exports edged up 2.3 percent to $1.15 billion.
Trading partners
Exports to major trading partners posted across-the-board gains. Shipments to China rose 10.2 percent to $8.22 billion, while exports to the U.S. increased 5.7 percent to $6.78 billion. Exports to the European Union were up 4.9 percent, reaching $3.58 billion.
The latest figures build on momentum from October, when exports expanded 3.6 percent year-on-year to $59.57 billion, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth driven largely by the semiconductor sector.
Auto exports
South Korea’s cumulative automobile exports for January–October 2025 reached $59.6 billion – a record high – driven by strong eco-friendly vehicle performance, Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced.
