South Korea's exports rose 29% year-on-year in February to $67.45 billion, marking the highest level ever for the month. The surge was driven by growing demand for semiconductors amid the AI boom. The trade surplus reached a record $15.51 billion.
South Korea's exports totaled $67.45 billion in February, a 29% increase from $54.2 billion a year earlier, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. This marked the highest figure ever for the month, achieved despite three fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday falling in February 2026, unlike January 2025. Daily exports surged 49.3% to $3.55 billion, exceeding $3 billion for the first time. Exports have been growing year-on-year since June 2025, setting new monthly records for nine straight months.
Imports rose 7.5% to $51.94 billion, yielding a trade surplus of $15.51 billion—the largest in the country's history—and marking the 13th consecutive month of surplus. The export boom was led by semiconductors, which soared 160.8% to a record $25.16 billion, driven by rising memory chip prices from AI server demand. Semiconductor exports have topped $20 billion for the third consecutive month.
Wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, increased 12.7% to $1.47 billion, extending gains to four months. Computer exports jumped 221.6% to $2.56 billion, rising for the fifth straight month. However, auto exports fell 20.8% to $4.81 billion and parts declined 22.4% to $1.45 billion, attributed to fewer working days. Petroleum products dropped 3.9% to $3.73 billion due to lower global oil prices. Petrochemicals decreased 15.4% to $3.33 billion, and steel exports fell 7.8% to $2.36 billion, both affected by global oversupply and lower prices.
By destination, exports to the United States rose 29.9% to $12.85 billion, a February record, boosted by semiconductors and computers. Shipments to China increased 34.1% to $12.75 billion, led by semiconductors, computers, and petroleum. ASEAN exports grew 30.4% to $12.47 billion—the third highest monthly total—on demand for semiconductors, displays, and ships. EU exports advanced 10.3% to $5.6 billion, driven by chips, biohealth products, and vessels.
