South Korea’s Semiconductor Exports Surge to Record $173B Amid Global Chip Boom
South Korea's exports surpassed $700 billion for the first time in history, driven by a 22.2% annual increase in semiconductor shipments to $173 billion. The chip sector's explosive growth—fueled by AI and data center demand—offset declines in automotive exports, which dipped 1.5% due to overseas production shifts.
December's unadjusted exports ROSE 13.4%, cementing a $12.2 billion trade surplus. Petrochemicals and bio-exports grew 6.8% and 22.4% respectively, while emerging sectors like electrical equipment and cosmetics set records. The trade ministry attributes the resilience to 'core industries anchoring growth' despite tariff uncertainties.