South Korea's exports are projected to grow nearly 13% in Q1 2026 to around $180 billion, building on January's record performance and fueled by strong global semiconductor demand linked to the AI surge, according to the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
The state-run Export-Import Bank of Korea's Overseas Economic Research Institute forecasted on February 4 that first-quarter exports will reach about $180 billion, a 12.85% increase from $159.5 billion a year earlier.
This outlook follows January's exports, which soared 33.9% year-on-year to a record $65.85 billion—the highest January ever—primarily on semiconductor strength. "Though the overall trade environment remains subdued, strong performance in the semiconductor sector has limited the negative impact on overall export conditions," a bank official said.
The report highlights semiconductors as the key driver for export recovery despite trade uncertainties, with containers stacking up at ports like Busan signaling heightened activity.
