Exports Hit Record $25.2 Billion in April 1-10, Led Again by Semiconductors (Updated)

Fresh Market filled with containers, Gamman Pier. Photo by Yonhap News

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In early April, exports reached an all-time high, driven by strong performance in the semiconductor sector.

According to the Korea Customs Service on April 13, exports from April 1 to 10 amounted to $25.2 billion, up 36.7% compared to the same period last year. This is the highest figure ever recorded for the first 10 days of April. Imports during the same period totaled $22.1 billion, a 12.7% increase, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.1 billion.

Taking into account the number of working days, the average daily export value was $2.97 billion, up 36.7% year-on-year, further supporting the growth in exports.

By item, semiconductors surged 152.5% to $8.6 billion, leading overall export growth. The share of semiconductors in total exports expanded by 15.6 percentage points year-on-year to 34.0%. Petroleum products (up 38.6%) and ships (up 26.6%) also saw increases, while exports of passenger cars and auto parts declined.

By country, exports increased across all major markets, including China (up 63.8%), the United States (up 24.0%), and Vietnam (up 66.6%). These three countries accounted for 51.0% of total exports.

Imports rose mainly due to semiconductors (up 29.7%), crude oil (up 8.7%), and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (up 77.9%), with overall energy imports increasing by 13.1%.

The government noted that, as this is a short-term statistic, it is necessary to consider variables such as the number of working days. Nevertheless, it assessed the continued recovery in exports, centered on semiconductors, as a positive trend.

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