Business · Trade · 16 mins ago
South Korea’s exports top $900 billion in first 10 months
South Korea’s exports reached $930 billion from January to October, the first time they have topped $900 billion in that period.
October exports were $115.28 billion, up 93.7% from a year earlier, and were above $110 billion for the second month in a row.
Semiconductor exports rose 259.4% to $56.44 billion, remaining above $50 billion for a second straight month.
Exports increased in 18 of South Korea’s 20 main product groups and in seven of nine regions.
The trade ministry expects exports to reach $1 trillion in November if the current pace continues.
Imports rose 36% to $72.78 billion, while the trade surplus was $42.5 billion, above $40 billion for a second month.
South Korea’s exports reached $930 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, passing $900 billion for the first time.
October exports rose 93.7% from a year earlier to $1,152.8 billion.
The October total followed September exports of $1,211 billion, marking two consecutive months above $1,100 billion.
Semiconductor exports led the growth, rising 259.4% year on year to $564.4 billion.
The Trade Ministry said annual exports could reach $1 trillion in November if the trend continues.
- Who
- South Korea.
- What
- Exports reached $930 billion from January through October, a first for the country.
- When
- The figures were announced on November 1, 2026, and cover January through October.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Strong semiconductor demand, driven in part by investment in artificial intelligence, helped lift exports.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Exports reached $1,211 billion, according to the reports.
Exports totaled $1,152.8 billion, and cumulative exports for January through October reached $930 billion.
The Trade Ministry released the October trade figures.
The ministry said annual exports could reach $1 trillion during the month if the current trend continues.
- January–October exports
- $930 billion
- October exports
- $1,152.8 billion; up 93.7% year on year
- October semiconductor exports
- $564.4 billion; up 259.4% year on year
- October imports
- $727.8 billion
- October trade balance
- $425 billion surplus