Seoul: Exports from South Korea surged by 33.9 percent in January, reaching over US$65 billion, a record for the month, fueled by strong demand for semiconductors used in artificial intelligence servers, as reported by government data on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources compiled data showing that outbound shipments totaled $65.85 billion last month, marking the first time South Korea's January exports surpassed $600 billion. Imports rose by 11.7 percent year-on-year to $57.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $8.74 billion, making it the 12th consecutive month the country maintained a trade surplus.
The surge in exports aligns with the country's record-breaking yearly exports of $709.7 billion in 2025. Last year, South Korea's outbound shipments exceeded $700 billion for the first time, bolstered by strong performances in key export sectors, including semiconductors, automobiles, and ships.
In January, semiconductor exports soared to $20.54 billion, up 102.7 percent from a year earlier, driven by rising memory chip prices amid high demand for AI servers. Car exports also increased by 21.7 percent year-on-year to $6.07 billion, attributed to a higher number of working days and strong sales of eco-friendly vehicles.
The number of working days in January was greater due to the Lunar New Year holiday falling in February this year, unlike the previous year when the holiday occurred in January. Exports of wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, rose 66.9 percent to $2.03 billion, while computer exports increased 89.2 percent to $1.55 billion. Petroleum product shipments rose 8.5 percent to $3.52 billion, and biohealth products expanded by 18.3 percent to $1.35 billion.
Exports of agro-fisheries products and cosmetics also increased by 19.3 percent and 36.4 percent, respectively, reaching $1.02 billion and $1.03 billion, both record highs for January.
By destination, exports to China increased by 46.7 percent year-on-year to $13.51 billion, driven by strong demand for semiconductors, machinery, and steel. Exports to the United States rose 29.5 percent to $12.02 billion, despite tariff impacts, due to a significant rise in semiconductor shipments to the country. However, automobile and machinery exports to the U.S. dropped by 13 percent and 34 percent, respectively, due to tariff policies under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
Shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grew by 40.7 percent to $12.11 billion, the third highest for any month, due to robust demand for semiconductors, displays, and ships. Exports to the European Union (EU) increased by 6.9 percent to $5.39 billion, led by exports of steel, computers, and wireless communications devices.