Early April Exports Hit Record $25.2 Billion, Driven by Semiconductors (Comprehensive)
by Kang Nahum
Published 13 Apr.2026 09:46(KST)
Updated 13 Apr.2026 10:30(KST)
Exports Surge 36.7% with $3.1 Billion Trade Surplus
Semiconductors Account for 34% of Total Exports
Despite global trade uncertainties and energy risks stemming from the Middle East, exports in early April set a new all-time high, driven by strong performance in semiconductors.
According to the "Export and Import Trends for April 1-10 (Preliminary)" released by the Korea Customs Service on April 13, exports during this period amounted to USD 25.2 billion, up 36.7% from the same period a year earlier. Imports totaled USD 22.1 billion, an increase of 12.7% over the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 3.1 billion. Notably, the export value for the 1st to the 10th was the largest ever, surpassing the previous record set last month (USD 21.7 billion).
The average daily export value, adjusted for the number of business days, also rose by 36.7% to USD 2.97 billion, reflecting the same rate of increase.
The main driver behind the surge in exports was semiconductors. Semiconductor exports soared 152.5% to USD 8.6 billion, accounting for 34.0% of total exports. This represents a 15.6 percentage point increase in share year-on-year, effectively leading the overall export growth.
In addition, exports of petroleum products (up 38.6%), ships (up 26.6%), and steel products (up 11.6%) also increased. In contrast, some categories such as passenger cars (down 6.7%), auto parts (down 7.3%), and home appliances (down 26.0%) declined, highlighting varying trends by sector.
By country, there was broad-based growth across major markets. Exports to China jumped 63.8% to USD 5.7 billion, and to the United States rose 24.0% to USD 4.3 billion. Vietnam also emerged as a key growth driver, with exports up 66.6%. These three countries together accounted for 51.0% of total exports. The European Union (up 8.4%), Taiwan (up 68.3%), and Japan (up 48.1%) also saw increases, reflecting a recovery in global demand.
Imports also maintained an upward trend. Semiconductor imports increased by 29.7%, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment rose by 77.9%, signaling an expansion in capital investment. Crude oil imports climbed 8.7%, while imports of gas (up 21.8%) and coal (up 27.7%) also rose, resulting in a 13.1% increase in total energy imports.
By country, imports increased from the United States (up 39.3%), the European Union (up 38.0%), and Taiwan (up 24.6%), while imports from Japan declined (down 8.9%).
A government official stated, "Since these statistics represent short-term results for a 10-day period, which can be affected by the number of business days and customs clearance schedules, it is necessary to be cautious in interpreting the trend."
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