Semiconductor Boom Driven by Expanding AI Demand: Q3 Exports Hit Record High

Exports to the United States and China Declined
But Expanded in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the CIS

Although there were concerns about a slowdown in exports due to the tariff shock originating from the United States, in the third quarter of this year, Korean companies recorded their highest export figures since statistics began. The expansion of demand for artificial intelligence (AI) led to an increase in semiconductor exports, which had a positive impact. While exports to the United States and China declined, exports to other regions such as Europe and Southeast Asia increased, highlighting a clear trend of trade diversification.

On the 22nd, visitors attending the '2025 Semiconductor Expo' held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are viewing SK Hynix's exhibition related to HBM4. 2025.10.22 Photo by Dongju Yoon

According to the "Preliminary Trade Statistics by Corporate Characteristics for the Third Quarter of 2025," released by the National Data Agency on November 10, export value in the third quarter increased by 6.5% compared to the same period last year, reaching the highest level since related statistics began in 2015. The continued expansion of global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) led to robust growth in semiconductor exports.

By company size, exports by large enterprises increased by 5.1%. In particular, exports of capital goods, especially semiconductors, rose by 12.2%, driving overall export growth. Although mid-sized companies saw declines in the IT and machinery sectors, their capital goods exports increased by 9.4%, resulting in a 4.6% overall increase. Exports by small businesses also grew by 8.5%, with capital goods exports rising by 7.4%.

In terms of regional trade structure, exports to the United States and China decreased by 3.9% and 1.8%, respectively. However, exports to Southeast Asia and Europe (EU27) increased by 17.4% and 5.8%, respectively. Exports to Southeast Asia reached their highest level since 2015, with active exports of semiconductors to countries such as Vietnam. In Europe, exports were mainly driven by finished automobiles.

Notably, exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) increased by 28.0%. A National Data Agency official explained, "Exports to countries neighboring the Russia-Ukraine war have been high, and the increase in exports to the region appears to have been led by used cars and similar products."

By industry, exports from the manufacturing sector increased by 8.0%. Compared to the same period last year, exports in electrical and electronic goods and transportation equipment increased by 8.0%, while imports in petrochemicals decreased by 2.8%. Exports in the wholesale and retail sector decreased by 3.2%.

By type of goods, exports of capital goods increased significantly due to strong semiconductor performance. The National Data Agency explained that exports of capital goods, including semiconductors, have increased for eight consecutive quarters. Consumer goods exports also rose by 4.9%, with increases in both durable and non-durable consumer goods. On the import side, imports of raw materials decreased by 4.6%, but imports of capital goods (7.3%) and consumer goods (6.8%) increased.

In terms of trade structure, the trade base expanded, as companies engaged in both exports and imports increased by 7.7%. The share of the top 10 exporting companies rose to 40%, up 2.6 percentage points from the same period last year.

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