SEOUL — South Korea's exports reached a record $120.9 billion in September, marking an 83.5 percent increase from a year earlier, according to government data released by the customs office. The figure surpassed market expectations, which had forecast a 62.0 percent rise.
The September performance extended South Korea's export growth streak to 16 consecutive months. Semiconductor exports rose 262.8 percent to $60.3 billion, accounting for nearly half of all outbound shipments and reflecting continued global spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Computer exports climbed 435.3 percent to $7.0 billion, reflecting strong demand for AI components.
Total exports for the first nine months of the year reached $814.5 billion, exceeding $800 billion for the first time over this timeframe and already surpassing last year's full-year record of $709.3 billion. South Korea is on track to top $1 trillion in annual exports.
Exports to the United States increased 137.0 percent to $24.33 billion. Shipments to China rose 122.7 percent to $26.01 billion.
Imports climbed 26.0 percent year-on-year, outpacing a forecast of 21.5 percent. This resulted in a provisional trade surplus of $49.85 billion for September, up from $34.79 billion in August.
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said global protectionism and tensions in the Middle East remain variables for future export performance.
The export data supports the Bank of Korea's assessment that the national economy can withstand higher borrowing costs. The central bank raised its key rate by 25 basis points to 3 percent in August, marking its second consecutive hike. Policymakers' median projection suggests one more quarter-point rate hike, though Governor Shin Hyun Song said any further tightening would be gradual. The central bank also raised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.3 percent from 2.6 percent.
