Business · Economy · 35 mins ago
South Korean export volumes hit record growth as import prices fall
South Korea’s import prices fell 1.8% in October from the previous month, after the won strengthened and global oil prices declined.
At the same time, export volumes rose 43.9% from a year earlier, the largest annual increase since records began.
Strong demand for semiconductors and other electronic goods helped drive that growth.
Computer, electronics and optical exports rose 51.2% by volume compared with October last year.
Higher export prices also helped, and the export value index more than doubled from a year earlier.
Import volumes rose too, led by electronics and machinery, while the combination of higher export volumes and prices improved South Korea’s ability to buy goods from abroad.
The figures cover October, and the data give no forecast for whether the export surge will continue.
South Korea’s export volume index rose 43.9% in October from a year earlier, the largest annual increase since records began.
The Bank of Korea said the index reached 169.44, with computer, electronic and optical products leading the rise.
The export value index climbed 107.6% year on year to 276.25, as export prices also increased.
The import price index fell 1.8% from September to 156.86, as the won strengthened and international oil prices declined.
Import volumes increased 14.9% from a year earlier.
- Who
- The Bank of Korea reported the figures.
- What
- South Korea’s export volume growth reached a record, while import prices fell.
- When
- The figures cover October; they were announced on November 13, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- A semiconductor-led export boom drove export volumes higher. A stronger won and lower international oil prices contributed to the fall in import prices.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The average won-dollar exchange rate was 1,359.00 won, and the average Dubai crude price was $113.71 per barrel.
The average won-dollar exchange rate fell to 1,337.66 won, and the average Dubai crude price declined to $110.73 per barrel.
The export volume index rose 43.9% year on year, while the import price index fell 1.8% from September.
The Bank of Korea announced its export and import price index figures.
- Export volume index
- 169.44 in October, up 43.9% year on year
- Export value index
- 276.25 in October, up 107.6% year on year
- Import price index
- 156.86 in October, down 1.8% from September
- Computer, electronic and optical export volumes
- Up 51.2% year on year
- Import volume index
- Up 14.9% year on year