Korea Customs Service data on Wednesday showed exports in the first 20 days of October rose 105.4% YoY unadjusted, led by semiconductor shipments amid strong global AI demand. Adjusting for working-day differences, exports rose 65.9% YoY, down from September’s 89.8% pace. Imports climbed 42.8% YoY, producing a $14.5bn trade surplus. Exports totaled $61.6bn in the first 20 days of October versus $71.4bn in the same period of September.

2026-10-21

Korea Customs Service data on Wednesday showed exports in the first 20 days of October rose 105.4% YoY unadjusted, led by semiconductor shipments amid strong global AI demand. Adjusting for working-day differences, exports rose 65.9% YoY, down from September’s 89.8% pace. Imports climbed 42.8% YoY, producing a $14.5bn trade surplus. Exports totaled $61.6bn in the first 20 days of October versus $71.4bn in the same period of September.