S Korea June Exports Hit Record $59.8B on Chip Surge

Sejong, South Korea - The nation's exports increased 4.3% in June to $59.8 billion, marking the highest June figure on record, according to government data released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

Imports rose 3.3% to $50.7 billion during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of $9.08 billion. 

The ministry stated this was the largest trade surplus since September 2018.

Semiconductor exports totaled $14.97 billion in June, an 11.6% increase from the previous year and the highest monthly amount on record. 

The sector recorded four consecutive months of growth, according to the data.

Daily average exports reached $2.85 billion when adjusted for working days, representing a 6.8% increase and the highest June daily average figure, the ministry reported.

Automobile exports totaled $6.34 billion, a 2.3% increase that marked the highest June performance in history. 

The ministry noted this represented five consecutive months of exports exceeding $6 billion.

Bio-health exports reached $1.66 billion, a 36.5% increase and the highest June total, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth. 

Shipbuilding exports totaled $2.5 billion, up 63.4%, continuing four months of consecutive increases.

Computer exports increased 15.2% to $1.33 billion, marking two consecutive months of growth.

Petroleum product exports declined 2.0% to $3.62 billion, while petrochemical exports decreased 15.5% to $3.36 billion, according to the data.

For the first half of 2025, total exports reached $334.7 billion, a decrease of 0.03% from the same period in 2024. Imports totaled $306.9 billion, a 1.6% decrease. 

The trade surplus for the period was $27.8 billion, representing a $4.8 billion improvement from the previous year.

Exports to the United States totaled $11.24 billion, a 0.5% decrease, while exports to China reached $10.42 billion, a 2.7% decrease. 

Shipments to ASEAN countries increased 2.1% to $9.76 billion.

European Union exports totaled $5.8 billion, up 14.7%, marking four consecutive months of growth. Exports to India reached $1.59 billion, a 2.3% increase, marking the highest June performance for that market.

Energy imports decreased 14.6% to $8.55 billion, while non-energy imports increased 7.9% to $42.17 billion.

Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun stated that first-half exports maintained the same level as the previous year, despite global trade uncertainties, including U.S. tariff measures, economic recovery slowdowns, and tensions in the Middle East.