Exports from Feb. 1–20 totaled $43.5 billion, up 23.5% from the same period a year earlier. Strong increases in semiconductor and ship exports lifted overall performance.
According to the "Export and import trends for Feb. 1–20, 2026 (preliminary)" that the Korea Customs Service released on the 23rd, exports for the 1st–20th came to $43.5 billion, up 23.5% from the same period a year earlier ($35.2 billion). Imports during the same period rose 11.7% to $38.6 billion. As a result, the trade balance posted a surplus of $4.9 billion.
Average daily exports, adjusted for working days, were $3.35 billion, up 47.3% from the same period a year earlier ($2.27 billion). The number of working days for Feb. 1–20 this year was 13.0, 2.5 days fewer than the same period a year earlier (15.5 days), yet exports still showed a pronounced increase.
By item, semiconductor exports recorded the largest increase, rising 134.1% from a year earlier. Semiconductors accounted for 34.7% of total exports, up 16.4 percentage points (p) from a year ago. Exports of petroleum products (10.5%), computer peripherals (129.2%), ships (22.7%), and wireless communication devices (22.8%) also increased. In contrast, passenger cars (-26.6%), auto parts (-20.7%), and precision instruments (-18.6%) declined.
By country, exports to China increased 30.8%, and shipments to the United States (21.9%), Vietnam (17.6%), and the European Union (EU; 11.4%) also rose. The growth rate of exports to Taiwan (76.4%), Hong Kong (94.8%), and Singapore (46.9%) was also high. The top three markets (China, the United States, Vietnam) accounted for 47.5% of exports.
Meanwhile, imports during the same period increased mainly for semiconductors (19.2%), semiconductor manufacturing equipment (28.5%), and gas (33.6%). Energy imports, including crude oil, gas, and coal, rose 10.6% from a year earlier.