Wall Street Journal survey of 13 economists shows median forecast for South Korea’s September exports +65.4% YoY (August +68.7%); imports +21.8% YoY; trade surplus seen at $39.4bn. Strong semiconductor shipments are expected to offset fewer working days from the Chuseok holiday and push monthly exports above $100bn for the first time. iM Securities’ chief economist said chip export strength should negate the calendar effect; a Citigroup economist said the September surplus could exceed $40bn and

2026-09-29

Wall Street Journal survey of 13 economists shows median forecast for South Korea’s September exports +65.4% YoY (August +68.7%); imports +21.8% YoY; trade surplus seen at $39.4bn. Strong semiconductor shipments are expected to offset fewer working days from the Chuseok holiday and push monthly exports above $100bn for the first time. iM Securities’ chief economist said chip export strength should negate the calendar effect; a Citigroup economist said the September surplus could exceed $40bn and reach a record high.