South Korea’s exports surged 111.9% year-on-year to $33.5 billion in the first 10 days of November, driven by a sharp increase in semiconductor shipments, according to preliminary data from the Korea Customs Service.
The export value marked a record for the first 10 days of November and the second-highest figure recorded in any 10-day period, behind the $35.1 billion reported in early September. After adjusting for working days, daily exports increased 97.7% to $4.46 billion. The latest period had 7.5 working days, compared with seven a year earlier.
Semiconductor shipments drive export growth
Semiconductor exports surged 331.2% year-on-year to $16.6 billion, recording the strongest growth among major export categories. South Korea’s year-to-date exports reached $963.7 billion. At the current daily pace, the country could cross the $1 trillion mark around November 20.
The strength in chip shipments is also visible in quarterly trade figures. South Korea’s third-quarter goods exports increased 72.3% year-on-year to $318.6 billion, the highest quarterly level since records began in 2015. Semiconductor exports rose 219% to $148 billion and accounted for 46.5% of total exports, compared with 25.1% a year earlier.
The top 10 exporters accounted for more than 60% of total exports in the third quarter, the highest share since records began in 2010. Exports from large companies rose 103.5%, while small and medium-sized firms recorded growth of 12.8% and 10.7%, respectively. The figures indicate that the export boom is being driven disproportionately by large companies and the semiconductor industry.
South Korea prepares capital market discussions
Separately, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission is scheduled to hold a capital markets seminar at the Korea Exchange in Seoul on November 13, according to Yonhap News Agency. Discussions are expected to focus on improving corporate valuations and reviving the KOSDAQ market, which is home to many startups and growth-oriented companies.
The meeting comes amid a recent sell-off in South Korean equities and heightened market volatility. Investor concerns over potential tighter US regulations on data centres following the US midterm elections have also weighed on technology-related stocks.
How much did South Korea’s exports increase in early November?
Exports rose 111.9% year-on-year to $33.5 billion in the first 10 days of November.
How much did semiconductor exports grow?
Semiconductor exports increased 331.2% to $16.6 billion during the period.
Could South Korea cross $1 trillion in exports in 2026?
Year-to-date exports reached $963.7 billion. At the current daily pace, the country could cross $1 trillion around November 20.
What share of South Korea’s third-quarter exports came from semiconductors?
Semiconductors accounted for 46.5% of total third-quarter exports, compared with 25.1% a year earlier.
What will South Korea discuss on November 13?
The Financial Services Commission is scheduled to hold a seminar focusing on corporate valuations and measures to revive the KOSDAQ market.
