South Korea Exports Set for 16th Monthly Gain as AI Chip Demand Drives Growth
According to a Reuters poll of 18 economists, South Korea's exports are expected to grow for a 16th consecutive month in September, fueled by AI-linked semiconductor demand.
ASIA,ECONOMY
Global N Press
9/30/20262 min read
SEOUL, September 29, 2026 — South Korea’s exports are expected to rise for a 16th consecutive month in September, supported by strong demand for semiconductors linked to global investment in artificial intelligence, according to a Reuters poll of 18 economists.
Exports Expected to Remain Strong
The median forecast calls for exports to increase 62.0% from a year earlier, following a 68.7% rise in August. The slower projected growth partly reflects fewer working days this year because of the Chuseok holiday, with September having 21.5 working days compared with 24 a year earlier.
Preliminary customs data point to continued strength. South Korea’s exports reached $71.4 billion in the first 20 days of September, up 78.3% year on year and the highest level recorded for the period. On a daily average basis, exports increased 89.8%.
Semiconductors Lead Export Growth
Semiconductors were the main driver of the increase. Semiconductor exports surged 259.4% to about $34.1 billion during the first 20 days of September, accounting for nearly 48% of total exports. The figure was also a record for the corresponding period.
The increase reflects strong demand for memory chips and other semiconductor products used in AI-related computing infrastructure. Global technology companies have continued to expand data-center capacity and investment in advanced computing, supporting demand for chips produced by South Korean manufacturers.
Trade Surplus Seen at Record
Imports are expected to rise 21.5% year on year in September, according to the Reuters survey. Economists forecast a monthly trade surplus of $38.15 billion, which would exceed August’s $34.79 billion and mark a new record.
South Korea is a major exporter of semiconductors and other technology products, making its trade data an important indicator of demand across global technology and manufacturing supply chains.
Outlook Depends on External Demand
The government is scheduled to release the full September trade figures on October 1. While the strong semiconductor data indicate that AI-related investment is supporting export growth, the outlook remains sensitive to energy prices, global trade policies and changes in external demand.
The preliminary figures point to continued export momentum, while the full monthly data will provide a clearer picture of the strength and breadth of South Korea’s trade performance.
