(LEAD) Exports double in first 10 days of October on chips

In the first 10 days of October, South Korea's exports more than doubled compared to the same period a year earlier, according to customs data released on Monday. The surge in outbound shipments reached $26.1 billion, shattering the previous record of $15.3 billion set in October 2025. The daily average export total skyrocketed to $4.75 billion, also setting a new record for any 10-day period. Imports climbed 65.5 percent year-on-year to $22.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.8 billion.

The semiconductor industry played a significant role in the export boom, with shipments of chips surging an astonishing 170.9 percent to $12.1 billion. Petroleum products saw a 45.6 percent increase, reaching $1.75 billion. Car exports also rose by 82.7 percent to $1.21 billion, while steel product shipments climbed 49.4 percent to $1 billion. However, ship exports declined by 13.4 percent to $682 million.

China remained the top destination for South Korean exports, with shipments to the country soaring 167 percent to $7.59 billion. The United States also witnessed a notable increase in exports, with exports to the country jumping 159.9 percent.