South Korea's exports rose 33.9 percent year-on-year in January to $65.85 billion, fueled by strong demand for semiconductors. This marked the highest January figure on record and the first time surpassing $60 billion for the month. The trade surplus reached $8.74 billion, extending the streak to 12 consecutive months, according to Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources data.
South Korea's exports surged to $65.85 billion in January 2026, a 33.9 percent increase from the previous year, propelled by robust demand for semiconductors amid artificial intelligence server needs. This figure represents the highest January total ever and aligns with the country's record annual exports of $709.7 billion in 2025, driven by key sectors like semiconductors, automobiles, and ships. Semiconductor shipments alone reached $20.54 billion, up 102.7 percent, thanks to rising memory chip prices.
Automobile exports climbed 21.7 percent to $6.07 billion, benefiting from more working days—Lunar New Year falls in February this year, unlike last—and strong sales of eco-friendly vehicles. Wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, rose 66.9 percent to $2.03 billion for the third straight month, while computer exports jumped 89.2 percent to $1.55 billion, marking four months of gains.
Petroleum products increased 8.5 percent to $3.52 billion, and biohealth products grew 18.3 percent to $1.35 billion. Agro-fisheries and cosmetics exports also hit January records, up 19.3 percent to $1.02 billion and 36.4 percent to $1.03 billion, respectively.
By destination, exports to China leaped 46.7 percent to $13.51 billion, led by semiconductors, machinery, and steel. Shipments to the United States rose 29.5 percent to $12.02 billion despite tariffs, boosted by semiconductors, though automobiles fell 13 percent and machinery 34 percent due to U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. ASEAN imports advanced 40.7 percent to $12.11 billion—the third-highest monthly total—on demand for semiconductors, displays, and ships, while EU exports added 6.9 percent to $5.39 billion, driven by steel, computers, and wireless devices.
"Exports got off to a solid start this year, with January exports posting double-digit on-year growth," Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said in a statement. Imports rose 11.7 percent to $57.1 billion, yielding an $8.74 billion surplus for the 12th consecutive month.
