South Korea’s Exports Top $710 Billion in 2025, Boosted by Semiconductor Surge

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South Koreas Exports Top $710 Billion in 2025, Boosted by Semiconductor Surge

South Koreas 2025 exports hit a record $710 billion, surpassing $700 billion for the first time, driven by semiconductors surging 22.2% to $173 billion amid AI and data center demand.

• Semiconductors led with $173 billion in exports, up 22.2% from $142 billion in 2024.
• December exports rose 8.7% on a working-day adjusted basis after Novembers 13.3% gain.
• Full-year trade surplus reached $78 billion, with December surplus at $12.2 billion.

What Drove South Koreas Record 2025 Exports？

South Koreas 2025 exports achieved a historic milestone at $710 billion, exceeding $700 billion for the first time, primarily propelled by robust semiconductor demand. Shipments of chips reached $173 billion, marking a 22.2% increase from $142 billion in 2024, according to South Koreas trade ministry. This surge offset weaknesses in other areas and helped secure a substantial trade surplus.

How Did Semiconductors Surge in December 2025？

Semiconductors exploded by 43.2% in December alone, fueled by escalating orders for AI tools and data centers that heavily rely on advanced chips. South Korea‘s trade ministry highlighted this as the primary engine behind the month’s 8.7% export growth on a working-day basis. Unadjusted, exports climbed 13.4%, with imports up 4.6%, yielding a $12.2 billion trade surplus. This performance followed Novembers strong 13.3% rise, demonstrating sustained momentum in core industries.

While automobiles dipped 1.5% due to increased overseas production and prior-year highs, other sectors compensated effectively. Petrochemical exports increased 6.8%, and bio products jumped 22.4%. Emerging categories like electrical equipment, agricultural products, and cosmetics set records, as noted by the ministry: “In 2025, South Koreas exports remained anchored by solid gains in core industries such as semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding, while electrical equipment, agricultural and fishery products, and cosmetics delivered record performances, emerging as new drivers of growth.”