South Korea Records 45.3% Increase in Exports During August

South Korea's exports increased by 45.3% year-on-year between August 1 and 10. According to data from the Korea Customs Service, overseas shipments reached USD 21.3 billion during the period, compared to USD 14.6 billion recorded in the same period of 2025.

Imports grew by 23.1% to reach USD 19.5 billion during the aforementioned period, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 1.8 billion.

According to the latest data, chip exports, by sector, soared by 155.4% to reach USD 9.95 billion, maintaining solid growth amidst the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

Chips accounted for 46.8% of total overseas sales during that period, an increase of 20.1 percentage points compared to the previous year. Sales of petroleum products also surged by 65.3%, reaching USD 1.99 billion. On the other hand, overseas automobile shipments fell by 80.9%, to USD 182 million.

By destination, shipments to China doubled, reaching USD 6.7 billion, while those to Vietnam increased by 45.4%, to USD 2.39 billion. Exports to the United States, considered a vital trade partner, fell by 0.2%, to USD 2 billion.