July Exports Surge 62.8% to USD 98.9 Billion...Semiconductors Top USD 40 Billion Again (Update)

Record-Breaking July, Second Highest Overall
Imports Total USD 68.56 Billion, Up 26.5%

Yonhap News Agency

South Korea's exports in July reached USD 98.89 billion, marking a record high for the month of July. In terms of total monthly exports, this is the second-largest figure ever, following June’s performance. Semiconductor exports surpassed USD 40 billion for the second consecutive month, and shipments for 19 out of the top 20 main export categories increased, leading to these strong results.

According to the “July 2026 Export and Import Trends” announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on August 1, July exports increased by 62.8% year-on-year to USD 98.89 billion. Imports grew by 26.5% to USD 68.56 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 30.32 billion. The trade balance recorded a surplus above USD 30 billion for the second consecutive month.

Despite July being the first month of the half-year, exports posted strong results, continuing a 14-month streak of record highs for the respective month. The total monthly export volume is the second highest ever, following USD 102.2 billion in June. When accounting for the number of business days, the average daily exports reached USD 4.12 billion, exceeding USD 4 billion for three consecutive months.

The robust export performance was led by semiconductors. Exports of semiconductors reached USD 41.01 billion, up 178.8% from a year earlier, surpassing USD 40 billion for the second straight month.

Computers (404.0%), wireless communication devices (51.0%), ships (46.9%), petroleum products (34.1%), biohealth (30.4%), and cosmetics (37.8%) also showed significant growth. Of the top 20 main export items, 19—excluding home appliances—recorded export increases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.