Korea’s Exports Hit All-time Monthly High

Korea’s exports in May 2026 reached $87.75 billion, breaking the all-time monthly record. Driven by a super-cycle of demand, the semiconductor sector also recorded its highest-ever performance, offsetting the effect of reduced working days due to the holidays.
Monthly exports have exceeded $80 bil. for three consecutive months since first surpassing the $80 bil. mark in March.

Despite the reduced number of working days, exports hit a record high, with the daily average export value rising by 60.7% to $4.28 bil. This marks the first time the figure has surpassed the $4 bil. mark.
Semiconductors were once again the driving force behind exports this month. Semiconductor exports in May reached $37.15 bil., a 169.4% increase from the same month last year, marking an all-time high as they surpassed $30 bil. for the third consecutive month.
Exports of non-semiconductor items also showed a steep upward trend, rising by an average of 16%.
As unit prices for petroleum and petrochemical products rose significantly due to the impact of the Middle East war, exports of petroleum products increased by 46.6% to $5.25 bil., while exports of petrochemicals rose by 11.1% to $3.7 bil.
However, automobiles, a key export product, fell by 5.9% to $5.83 bil. due to reduced working days, fires at domestic parts suppliers, and logistical disruptions caused by the Middle East war.
By region, exports increased in seven out of the nine major export destinations; exports to China recorded $18.9 bil., an 80.9% increase, driven by semiconductors — the largest export item — showing a triple-digit growth rate.
Exports to the United States also rose by 59.1% to $15.97 bil., driven by increased exports of semiconductors, computers, and electrical equipment.
Last month’s trade balance recorded a surplus of $26.95 bil., an increase of $20.03 bil. compared to the same month last year. The cumulative balance from January to May was $109.11 bil., breaking the previous record for the highest annual trade surplus ($95.2 bil. in 2017) in five months.

 
korean-electronics.com | Blog Magazine of korean electronics, brands and Goods