South Korea's exports fell 2.3 percent year-on-year in the first 10 days of January, despite robust semiconductor shipments. According to Korea Customs Service data, outbound shipments totaled $15.55 billion for the period. Weaker performance in automobiles, vessels, and steel products offset the gains.
South Korea's exports declined 2.3 percent from a year earlier to $15.55 billion during the January 1-10 period in 2026, according to data released Monday by the Korea Customs Service. However, average daily exports rose 4.7 percent to $2.22 billion, reflecting fewer working days at seven compared to 7.5 the previous year.
Imports fell 4.5 percent to $18.21 billion, leading to a trade deficit of $2.7 billion. Strong demand for semiconductors amid an industry upcycle was counterbalanced by slumps in automobiles, vessels, and steel products. Semiconductor shipments surged 45.6 percent to $4.64 billion, comprising 29.9 percent of total exports—up 9.8 percentage points from last year.
Automobile exports dropped 24.7 percent to $1.01 billion, vessel shipments decreased 12.7 percent to $923 million, and steel products fell 18.7 percent to $976 million. By destination, exports to China, the top trading partner, rose 15.4 percent to $3.87 billion, while those to the United States declined 14.7 percent to $2.27 billion. Shipments to Taiwan jumped 55.4 percent to $852 million, but to the European Union tumbled 31.7 percent to $1.1 billion.
In December 2025, exports grew 13.4 percent to $69.6 billion on semiconductor strength, marking the 11th straight monthly increase. For the full year 2025, outbound shipments hit a record $709.7 billion, exceeding $700 billion for the first time.
