South Korea’s September goods exports rose 83.5 percent from a year earlier to $120.94 billion, exceeding the previous monthly high. Semiconductor shipments accounted for $60.3 billion. Imports also grew, leaving a $49.85 billion trade surplus. The ministry reported growth outside chips too, while automobile exports fell and petroleum export values rose despite lower shipment volumes.
South Korea’s goods exports increased 83.5 percent from a year earlier to $120.94 billion in September, the trade ministry reported on October 1. The reported figures cover monthly goods exports in dollar terms. September exceeded June’s previous monthly high of $102 billion. Imports rose 26 percent to $71.09 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $49.85 billion.[1], [2]
Semiconductor exports reached $60.3 billion, with the ministry’s detailed table showing growth of 262.8 percent from a year earlier. The ministry attributed the rise to memory demand, larger shipment volumes and higher contract prices. Exports excluding semiconductors rose 23 percent. Computer exports increased 435.3 percent to $7 billion, while automobile exports fell 5.5 percent to $6.05 billion. Ship exports rose 29.9 percent to $3.76 billion.[1]
Petroleum product exports increased 72 percent in dollar value to $7.22 billion, though shipment volumes fell 6.9 percent. Petrochemical exports rose 5.1 percent to $3.95 billion as volumes declined 19.1 percent. January–September exports reached $814.5 billion, up 56.8 percent from a year earlier, while imports rose 19.7 percent to $562.1 billion. The ministry reported a nine-month surplus of $252.5 billion. These totals cover goods trade in dollar terms.[1]
