(LEAD) Exports up 83 pct in first 10 days of Sept. on chips

South Korea's exports skyrocketed nearly 83 percent year-on-year during the first 10 days of September, customs data revealed on Friday, fueled by a surge in semiconductor shipments amid the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Outbound shipments reached an all-time high of $35 billion during the September 1-10 period, according to the Korea Customs Service.

The trade surplus swelled to $10.4 billion as imports climbed 20.7 percent year-on-year to $24.6 billion. Semiconductors spearheaded the surge, soaring 270 percent to $16.5 billion, setting a fresh high for the period. Petroleum product exports surged 57 percent to $1.87 billion, while automobile exports rose 10 percent to $1.7 billion.

Ship and steel product exports also jumped 66.8 percent and 10.3 percent, respectively. Exports to China doubled to $7.95 billion, while shipments to the United States increased 137.5 percent to $7 billion. Cumulative exports from January 1 through September 10 stood at $728.5 billion, marking a 54.1 percent increase year-on-year. The trade surplus reached $212.9 billion through September 10, 2026.