South Korea's Oct. 1-20 exports double to $61.6 billion on chip surge

Briefing by News4U · First published 2026-10-21 03:25:43 UTC

Exports hit a record $61.6 billion, up 105.4 percent, led by chips; imports rose 42.8 percent to $47.1 billion, yielding a $14.5 billion surplus.

South Korea's exports more than doubled to $61.6 billion in the first 20 days of October, the highest figure for the period on record, driven by a 222.5 percent jump in semiconductor shipments to $27.5 billion, according to Korea Customs Service data reported by Yonhap and Pulse. [1] [2] [3]

Imports climbed 42.8 percent to $47.1 billion, producing a $14.5 billion trade surplus. Cumulative exports for the year reached $876.3 billion, with daily average shipments also at a record $4.74 billion. [1] [2] [3]

Sources

1. Exports double in 1st 20 days of October

   Yonhap Business · 2026-10-21 00:04:04 UTC · Full text

2. (LEAD) Exports double in 1st 20 days of October on robust chip shipments

   Yonhap Business · 2026-10-21 00:23:08 UTC · Full text

3. Korea’s Oct. 1-20 exports double to $62bn, led by chips

   Pulse by Maeil Business · 2026-10-21 02:19:11 UTC · Full text

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