South Korea’s exports jumped 53.2% yoy to a record high of USD 87.75 billion in May 2026, surpassing forecasts of 48.4%, accelerating from a 48% rise in April. Exports exceeded USD 80 billion for the 3rd straight month, mainly driven by a surge in semiconductor shipments. Shipments rose for a 12th straight month, with semiconductor sales soaring 169.4% to a record USD 37.16 billion, lifted by strong AI investment. Exports of computers also surged 290.7%, while shipments of wireless communication devices and displays rose 12.6% and 9.4%, respectively. By contrast, auto shipments continued to decline, falling 5.9%, partly due to shipping disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, fewer working days, and Korean carmakers' expansion of production in the US in response to Washington's tariff policies. Shipments to China surged 80.9%, driven by semiconductors and consumer goods, while those to the US and ASEAN rose 59.1% and 58.4%, respectively. source: Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE)
Exports in South Korea averaged 19141.49 USD Million from 1966 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 87750.00 USD Million in May of 2026 and a record low of 14.75 USD Million in January of 1966. This page provides the latest reported value for - South Korea Exports - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. South Korea Exports - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on June of 2026.
Exports in South Korea is expected to be 80000.00 USD Million by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Korea Exports is projected to trend around 65000.00 USD Million in 2027, according to our econometric models.