South Korea's Export Rebound in June

In a remarkable turnaround, South Korea's exports climbed by 4.3% in June compared to the previous year, marking a swift recovery after just a month of decline. This growth was significantly bolstered by record-breaking semiconductor exports, showcasing the resilience of the country's trade sector amidst global uncertainties.

Record-Breaking Semiconductor Exports

Semiconductors, South Korea's leading export, achieved an unprecedented monthly export value of $14.97 billion, up 11.6% from June last year. This sector's robust performance has been a consistent driver of growth, with positive trends observed over four consecutive months this year.

Diverse Export Growth Across Sectors

Beyond semiconductors, other sectors also showcased significant growth. Computer exports rose by 15.2%, ship exports surged 63%, and bio-health exports increased by 36.5%. The automotive sector, despite facing tariff-related challenges, recorded a 2.3% increase in exports, reaching $6.3 billion.

Regional Export Dynamics

While exports to the U.S. and China saw slight declines, Southeast Asia and the European Union emerged as strong markets, with exports growing by 2.1% and 14.7%, respectively. This shift underscores the changing landscape of global trade dynamics.

Trade Surplus and Half-Year Performance

June's trade surplus stood at $9.08 billion, with imports growing by 3.3% to $50.72 billion. Over the first half of 2025, South Korea's exports remained stable at $334.7 billion, nearly matching the previous year's figures, with a notable increase in the trade surplus to $27.8 billion.