South Korea Exports Jump 60.7% in May as Trade Surplus Reaches $26.9 Billion
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 1
South Korea Exports Jump 60.7% in May as Trade Surplus Reaches $26.9 Billion
12 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 1
Working-day-adjusted exports rose 60.7% from a year earlier in May, extending South Korea’s export rebound and underscoring the strength of external demand.
Imports increased 20.8%, leaving a $26.9 billion trade surplus, according to the trade ministry’s Monday data.
Semiconductor demand remained the main driver, with the export momentum reinforcing the Bank of Korea’s increasingly hawkish policy stance despite geopolitical and inflation risks.
Earlier May data showed total exports hit a record $87.75 billion, with semiconductor shipments up 169.4% as the global AI investment boom lifted memory-chip prices.
While chip exports surge, what does the decline in auto sales reveal about the health of South Korea's broader economy?
As AI's thirst for power grows, will energy limits become the biggest threat to South Korea's semiconductor dominance?
South Korea’s Historic $87.75 Billion Export Boom in May 2026: AI Semiconductors, Economic Shifts, and Sustainability Challenges
Overview
In May 2026, South Korea’s exports soared to a record $87.75 billion, marking a 53.2% year-on-year increase and delivering an all-time high trade surplus of $26.95 billion. This surge was mainly driven by booming semiconductor shipments, which played a dominant role in export growth. The strong export performance immediately boosted financial markets, fueling a rally in the KOSPI index and leading to an upgraded national economic outlook. As a result, economic confidence rose sharply, highlighting the powerful impact of the semiconductor sector on South Korea’s economy and market sentiment.