S.Korea Jan Exports Hit Record $65.85 Billion as Chip Shipments Double

SEJONG, South Korea — The nation’s exports surged nearly 34 percent in January compared with a year earlier, driven by booming demand for semiconductors and extending a winning streak that has helped insulate the country’s economy from global trade tensions.

The country exported $65.85 billion worth of goods last month, according to data released Sunday by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy — the highest January figure on record and the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth.

Imports rose more modestly, climbing 11.7 percent to $57.11 billion.

That left South Korea with a trade surplus of $8.74 billion, the 12th consecutive month the country has exported more than it imported — a streak that began in February 2025 and has provided a cushion for an economy facing uncertainty over potential tariffs from trading partners.

The gains were broad-based, with 13 of 15 major export categories posting growth. But semiconductors — the backbone of South Korea’s export economy — led the way, more than doubling to $20.54 billion.

It was the second-highest monthly semiconductor export figure ever recorded, reflecting surging global demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence applications and data centers.

Prices for memory chips have skyrocketed, with DDR4 8Gb products up more than 750 percent from a year earlier and DDR5 16Gb chips climbing more than 660 percent, underscoring the intensity of demand.

Other technology exports also posted strong gains, with computers up 89.2 percent, wireless communications equipment rising 66.9 percent, and displays growing 26.1 percent.

Automobile exports measured $6.07 billion, a 21.7% increase and the second-highest January figure on record.

Hybrid vehicles led the way with a 64.7 percent jump, while electric vehicle exports rose 21.2 percent.

Cosmetics exports increased 36.4%, agricultural and fishery product exports rose 19.3%, and electrical appliance exports grew 19.8%, with each category recording its highest January value.

Petrochemical exports decreased 1.5%, and ship exports declined 0.4%.

Export increases were recorded in seven of nine primary destination regions.

Exports to China totaled $13.51 billion, up 46.7%.

Exports to the United States rose 29.5 percent to $12.02 billion, the best January performance for the American market.

On the import side, the 11.7 percent overall increase masked diverging trends: Energy imports fell 11.9 percent as commodity prices moderated.

Crude oil purchases dropped 12.7 percent, natural gas fell 11.8 percent, and coal declined 8.0 percent.

Non-energy imports increased 18.4%. Semiconductor equipment imports rose 74.6%, and semiconductor component imports grew 22.1%.