South Korea's chip exports triple to $60.3 billion on AI demand
Semiconductors made up almost half of South Korea's record $120.9 billion in September exports, Reuters reported, as shipments rose 262.8% from a year earlier.
South Korea's exports rose 83.5% in September from a year earlier to a record $120.9 billion, Reuters reported, citing official data. It is the 16th straight month of growth and the first time monthly exports have topped $120 billion. Reuters attributed the jump to global spending on artificial intelligence.
Semiconductor shipments rose 262.8% to $60.3 billion, the first month above $60 billion, according to the Korea Times and Reuters. Chips made up almost half of all exports. Computer exports climbed 435.3% to $7.0 billion, which Reuters tied to demand for AI infrastructure and agentic AI. Neither outlet broke the chip figure down by product.
Exports to the United States rose 137% to $24.33 billion and shipments to China rose about 123% to $26 billion, the Korea Times reported, both helped by chip demand. Imports rose 26% to $71.09 billion, leaving a provisional trade surplus of $49.85 billion. Exports from January to September reached $814.5 billion, above the whole of last year's record $709.3 billion.
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said exports were on track for a $1 trillion year but warned that global protectionism and tension in the Middle East remain big variables, the Korea Times reported. Automobiles fell 5.5% to $6.05 billion, the one major category the paper listed in decline. The figures are provisional and may be revised.