S. Korea Sees Surge in May Exports

(MENAFN) South Korea's exports surged by double digits in the first 20 days of May, driven by an extraordinary spike in semiconductor demand, data from the Korea Customs Service showed Thursday.

Outbound shipments leapt 64.8 percent year-on-year to $52.65 billion between May 1–20, with the daily average export jumping 52.6 percent to $3.9 billion over the same period.

Semiconductors and Computers Lead the Charge
Semiconductor exports were the undisputed engine of growth, skyrocketing 202.1 percent to $21.95 billion. Computer shipments surged an even more striking 305.5 percent to $2.45 billion, propelled by robust demand for solid-state drives (SSDs) and rapidly expanding AI infrastructure investment.

Oil product exports climbed 46.3 percent, reflecting elevated crude prices amid sustained Middle East tensions. Steel products, ships, and mobile devices also recorded double-digit export growth during the period.

The lone drag was the automotive sector, where shipments retreated 10.1 percent to $2.77 billion.

Trade Surplus Widens as Imports Climb
On the import side, inbound shipments rose 29.3 percent year-on-year to $41.62 billion, generating a trade surplus of $11.03 billion for the 20-day period. Semiconductor equipment imports surged by triple digits, while crude oil, chips, machinery, oil products, natural gas, vehicles, coal, and mobile devices all recorded double-digit import growth.

MENAFN21052026000045017169ID1111148697