Semiconductors

Realistic depiction of Busan port bustling with semiconductor cargo ships, illustrating South Korea's 34% export jump in January.

South Korea's exports jump 34 percent in January on semiconductor demand

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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.

Seoul stocks open sharply lower amid new Fed chair nomination

Seoul's stock market opened sharply lower on February 2 due to risk-averse sentiment following the nomination of a new U.S. Federal Reserve chair. The KOSPI index fell 1.05% in the first 15 minutes and was down 3.47% by 11:20 a.m. Investors offloaded tech heavyweights, particularly major semiconductor makers.

South Korea's industrial output growth hits five-year low in 2025

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South Korea's industrial output grew at the slowest pace in five years in 2025, despite robust performance in the semiconductor sector. Retail sales and facility investment showed signs of improvement, according to government data.

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US official says Trump administration will seek separate semiconductor tariff deals

Taipei hails US 15% tariffs as home run despite US$500 billion cost fears

Taiwan's authorities have hailed a US tariff cut to 15% as a 'home run', but opposition parties warn it risks gutting the island's semiconductor sector, while Beijing labels it an exploitative plot. The deal involves Taiwan committing up to US$500 billion in investments in the United States in exchange for the tariff reduction. Observers express concerns over the potential hollowing out of Taiwan's industrial base.

TSMC reports record Q4 earnings with endless AI demand

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's leading chipmaker, announced record earnings for the fourth quarter. The firm stated that demand for AI chips remains endless, despite concerns over a potential bubble. Customers continue to request more capacity from the company.

South Korea's exports down 2.3% in early January despite strong chip sales

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 Korean brokerages' Q4 earnings outlook upgraded amid market rally

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Major South Korean securities firms are projected to report improved fourth-quarter earnings, backed by a stock market rally extending into the new year. According to data from Yonhap Infomax, the combined operating profit forecast for the top four local brokerages reached 1.25 trillion won (USD 857.2 million), up 17.13 percent from the previous quarter. Heavy trading in the chip sector and strong investment banking performances are cited as key drivers.

Jumamosi, 24. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 09:04:06