South Korea's April Exports Hit Record $50.4 Billion, Driven by Semiconductors

South Korea's exports surpassed $50.4 billion in early April, achieving the highest mid-April export value on record. This represents a 49.4% increase compared to the same period last year, with the surge primarily attributed to strong semiconductor exports.

During the same period, semiconductor exports amounted to $18.3 billion, surging 182.5% year-on-year. Semiconductors accounted for 36.3% of total exports, an increase of 17.1 percentage points from a year earlier. Among major export items, petroleum products (48.4%) and computer peripherals (399.0%) also saw significant growth. However, exports of passenger cars (-14.1%) and automotive parts (-8.8%) declined.

By destination country, exports to major markets including China (70.9%), the United States (51.7%), Vietnam (79.2%), the European Union (10.5%), and Taiwan (77.1%) all showed upward trends.

Imports for the same period stood at $39.9 billion, a 17.7% increase. With exports exceeding imports, South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $10.4 billion.