South Korea Sees Sharp January Export Rise With Strong Global Market Orders

TLDR

• South Korea’s exports grew 34% year-on-year in January to $65.85 billion, setting a new monthly record
• Semiconductor exports more than doubled, reaching $20.5 billion amid strong AI server demand
• Exports to China increased 47%, while U.S. shipments rose 30%, both setting new January records
• South Korea posted a $8.7 billion trade surplus in January, continuing a 12-month surplus streak

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South Korea’s exports surged in January, marking the strongest growth in over four years. Driven by rising global demand for semiconductor chips, outbound shipments reached a record high, continuing a positive trade trend for the eighth month in a row.

Record Growth in January Trade Figures

South Korea recorded export growth for the eighth consecutive month in January, with outbound shipments rising 34% year-on-year. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that exports totaled $65.85 billion during the month. This marks the fastest pace of growth since 2019 and the highest export value ever recorded for January.

The daily average of exports also set a new record, increasing by 14% to $2.8 billion. The ministry credited the growth to higher demand for high-tech products and a favorable calendar. January 2026 had more working days compared to the previous year due to the Lunar New Year holiday falling in February.

Semiconductor Sales Drive Surge

The sharp rise in exports was led by the semiconductor sector, which saw a 102.7% year-on-year increase. Semiconductor exports reached $20.5 billion, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers and a steady recovery in memory chip prices.

“The rise in memory prices since last year continued in January due to high demand for AI servers,” said the trade ministry. Analysts said that the upward trend in chip sales is likely to persist due to limited supply and continued global demand. The chip sector has now recorded double-digit growth for 10 consecutive months, further solidifying its role as South Korea’s leading export item.

Broader Growth Across Export Categories

Growth was not limited to semiconductors. Of South Korea’s 15 major export items, 13 showed year-on-year increases. Automobile exports rose 22% to $6.07 billion, the second-highest level for January. Other products showing growth included petroleum goods, displays, wireless communication devices, and computers.

Agro-fisheries and cosmetics exports also saw record-high January figures, rising 19% and 36% respectively to around $1 billion each. The ministry stated that the consistent performance of both traditional and emerging sectors supported the overall export strength.

Strong Demand from Key Trade Partners

South Korea’s exports to China increased by 47% to $13.5 billion, largely due to higher chip shipments. Exports to the United States rose 30% to $12 billion, setting a record for January. Despite trade policy uncertainties, car and machinery shipments to the U.S. decreased by 13% and 34%, respectively.

Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) climbed 41% to $12.1 billion, while exports to the European Union rose 7% to $5.4 billion. On the import side, South Korea reported a 12% increase in January, reaching $57.1 billion. The country maintained a trade surplus of $8.7 billion, marking the 12th month in a row of surplus.

Trade Minister Cautions on Global Trade Uncertainty

Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan acknowledged the export performance but warned of increasing global trade uncertainty. He noted the recent U.S. tariff policies and the rise of protectionism as concerns for South Korea’s trade outlook.

“The government will continue consultations with the United States to protect national interests,” Kim said. He also emphasized the need for diversifying export products, markets, and trade partners to maintain resilience against external challenges.

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