Workday-adjusted South Korean exports rose 60.7% YoY in May, customs data showed; imports climbed 20.8%, yielding a $26.9 bln trade surplus. Unadjusted exports increased 53.2% YoY, the largest rise since January 1984; April's gain was revised to 48% YoY. Semiconductors led the export surge on strong global AI and data-center investment. The strength further cements the Bank of Korea's increasingly hawkish stance despite rising geopolitical and inf risks.

2026-06-01

Workday-adjusted South Korean exports rose 60.7% YoY in May, customs data showed; imports climbed 20.8%, yielding a $26.9 bln trade surplus. Unadjusted exports increased 53.2% YoY, the largest rise since January 1984; April's gain was revised to 48% YoY. Semiconductors led the export surge on strong global AI and data-center investment. The strength further cements the Bank of Korea's increasingly hawkish stance despite rising geopolitical and inf risks.