South Korea's exports rose 8.2 percent year-on-year in the first 20 days of November, fueled by strong demand for semiconductors and automobiles. Outbound shipments reached $38.5 billion, up from $35.6 billion a year earlier, according to Korea Customs Service data. Imports grew 3.7 percent to $36.1 billion, yielding a $2.4 billion trade surplus.
According to data from the Korea Customs Service, South Korea's exports for the period from November 1 to 20, 2025 (through Thursday) rose 8.2 percent year-on-year to $38.5 billion. The agency attributed the gain to increased global demand for semiconductors and automobiles, despite U.S. tariff measures.
Semiconductor exports surged 26.5 percent to $9.75 billion, comprising 25.3 percent of total exports. Automobile exports climbed 22.9 percent to $3.81 billion, and ship exports edged up 2.3 percent to $1.15 billion. In contrast, petroleum product shipments fell 19.3 percent to $2.14 billion, and steel exports declined 9.2 percent to $2.25 billion.
By destination, exports to China increased 10.2 percent to $8.22 billion, to the United States by 5.7 percent to $6.78 billion, and to the European Union by 4.9 percent to $3.58 billion. This follows October's 3.6 percent growth to $59.57 billion, driven by semiconductor demand and marking the fifth straight month of gains.
The figures highlight recovery in high-tech manufacturing but underscore ongoing weakness in energy and raw materials sectors.
