South Korea exports surpass annual record as AI chip boom drives shipments

South Korea's exports have surpassed $709.4 billion this year, exceeding the full-year record set in 2025, as global demand for artificial intelligence chips drives semiconductor shipments, according to Reuters. This figure surpasses the $709.3 billion exported in all of 2025, which was a second consecutive annual record for the country.

South Korea aims to reach $1 trillion in annual exports by early December, making it one of the few nations to achieve this milestone, joining the United States, China, and Germany. Semiconductors have been a significant contributor to the increase, with chip exports jumping 169.6% from a year ago to $281 billion, accounting for 41% of total exports.

Major memory-chip manufacturers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have profited from rising prices and increasing demand for AI infrastructure, which has led to supply shortages. While semiconductor exports have boomed, automotive shipments have declined by 4% over the same period, reflecting weaker demand. Trade partners China and the United States, South Korea's largest markets, saw exports increase by 76% and 57%, respectively.

Despite protectionism, supply chain changes, and Middle East uncertainties, export momentum remains strong, highlighting the growing importance of AI-related semiconductors in South Korea's trade performance, which now make up more than two-fifths of the country's exports.