Exports in Korea hit an all-time high for August. Strong semiconductor sales lifted overall exports above $90 billion for the third straight month.
According to the "final figures for exports and imports in August 2026" that the Korea Customs Service released on the 15th, exports last month rose 68.7% from a year earlier to $98.3 billion. Imports climbed 22.4% to $63.5 billion. The trade balance posted a surplus of $34.8 billion, topping $30 billion for the third straight month and marking a surplus for the 19th consecutive month. Exports increased for the 15th straight month.
In particular, semiconductor exports surged 206.1% to $46.8 billion, exceeding $40 billion for the third consecutive month and leading overall export growth. Petroleum products also remained strong at $6.88 billion, up 64.9% from a year earlier. Steel products ($4.04 billion, +13.4%) and wireless communication devices ($1.65 billion, +3.9%) also increased.
However, passenger cars fell 30.1% from a year earlier to $3.64 billion. Over the same period, auto parts (-10.6%) and home appliances (-0.8%) also declined.
By country, China jumped 119.4% to $24.11 billion, rising for the 10th straight month. Exports to the United States also rose 89.2% to $16.5 billion, and Europe recorded $6.63 billion, up 14.6%. Vietnam (63.4%), Japan (13.0%), and the Middle East (14.9%) also posted double-digit growth rates.