South Korea's semiconductor exports rose 259.4% year over year to $56.44 billion in October 2026, accounting for nearly 49% of the country's total export value. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources published the October figures on November 1.
The ministry attributes high chip prices and shipment volumes to continued AI investment by major technology companies. Computer exports increased 496.6% to $5.85 billion. It linked that growth to expanding server infrastructure for AI services and stronger demand for server SSDs.
Total exports reached $115.28 billion in October, up 93.7% from a year earlier. The January–October total was $930 billion, leaving $70 billion to reach the trillion-dollar mark. Trade minister Kim Jung-kwan expects that milestone to be reached in November.
Kim also highlighted difficulties facing small and medium-sized businesses amid trade uncertainty, changes to global supply chains and instability in the Middle East. The government plans to strengthen cooperation with major trading partners and help companies address barriers to exports.
