South Korea’s Exports Poised for Ninth Straight Month of Growth as AI Investment Spurs Chip Demand

On February 27, 2026, a Reuters poll indicated that South Korea’s exports are expected to rise for the ninth consecutive month in February, driven by a global surge in artificial intelligence-related investment boosting demand for semiconductors. The median forecast from nine economists projected a year-on-year export increase of roughly 24.0%, somewhat below January’s 33.8% surge but still signaling robust export momentum. As Asia’s fourth-largest economy, South Korea’s trade performance often serves as a bellwether for global commerce, and the anticipated export growth underscores strong demand for chip-related products which benefit from the expanding AI infrastructure build-out.

Analysts noted that semiconductor shipments remain supported by rising prices and low inventory levels, positioning the industry for continued strength through the first half of 2026. South Korea’s exports to China, the United States and the European Union all showed year-on-year increases, while the Bank of Korea held interest rates steady and signaled an extended pause in monetary policy, reinforcing economic stability. Despite broader global trade uncertainties, South Korea’s export trend highlights the significant contribution of technology and AI-linked sectors to regional economic growth and the country’s role within global value chains.