As of September 21, 2026, Korea's exports for Sept. 1-20 surged from a year earlier to the highest total ever recorded for that period. Semiconductors drove the gain, with chips accounting for nearly half of all exports during the window.
Key points
- Korea Customs Service data released Sept. 21 showed exports for Sept. 1-20 up 78.3% year over year, far outpacing import growth and pushing the trade balance into surplus.
- Semiconductor exports nearly tripled from a year earlier to a record for the period, with chips now accounting for nearly half of all exports.
- Exports rose more than 10% to most major trading partners, including China, the U.S., Vietnam, Taiwan and the European Union.
- Average daily exports rose sharply even though there was one fewer working day than a year earlier.
According to trade data the Korea Customs Service released Sept. 21, the country's exports for Sept. 1-20 jumped sharply from a year earlier, marking the strongest total ever recorded for that 20-day window. The gain looks even more striking given there was one fewer working day this year than last.
Semiconductors were the clear driver. Chip exports nearly tripled from a year earlier, setting a new record for the period, and semiconductors' share of total exports jumped to nearly half. Petroleum products, passenger cars, ships and computer peripherals also grew, but nowhere near as fast as chips.
By destination, Taiwan posted the steepest growth rate. Exports to the U.S. and China roughly doubled, while Vietnam and the EU also posted solid gains, with most of Korea's top trading partners turning in strong numbers across the board. China, the U.S. and Vietnam alone accounted for more than half of total exports.
Imports rose too, but at a slower pace than exports, pushing the trade balance to the largest surplus on record for the period. On the import side, semiconductors, chipmaking equipment and crude oil all climbed sharply, while petroleum product imports fell — a split trend. Imports from China, Japan and the U.S. all increased.
FAQ
Who released this data, and when?
The Korea Customs Service published the figures on Sept. 21, covering exports and imports from Sept. 1 to 20.
Why does heavy reliance on chips worry people?
If one product category makes up too large a share of exports, a downturn in that industry could drag down overall export performance.
Is this the first trade surplus this year?
No — but the cumulative surplus through Sept. 20 is the largest ever recorded for that specific period.
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