Key Summary
- Korea’s exports for November 1-10 totaled $33.5 billion, up 111.9% from a year earlier.
- Cumulative exports so far this year reached $963.663 billion.
- Semiconductor exports surged 331.2% year on year to $16.632 billion.
- Imports for the same period rose 45.0% to $24.71 billion.
- The trade balance showed an $8.8 billion surplus.
Main Story
Korea’s export performance in the first ten days of November set a new record for that period, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service on the 11th. Exports reached $33.5 billion, the highest figure ever recorded for November 1-10 and more than double the level of the same period last year.
The latest figures lifted cumulative exports this year to $963.663 billion, strengthening expectations that the country may soon surpass the $1 trillion mark in annual exports for the first time.
The report pointed to semiconductors as the main driver of the increase. Semiconductor exports came to $16.632 billion, a year-on-year rise of 331.2%. Exports of computer peripherals also increased sharply, reaching $1.046 billion, up 237.7% from a year earlier.
Growth was also visible across major overseas markets. Exports to China rose 148.0% to $9.163 billion, while shipments to the United States increased 163.6% to $6.797 billion. Exports to Vietnam climbed 113.3% to $3.198 billion. The three markets accounted for 57.3% of total exports during the period. Exports to Taiwan and the European Union also increased, by 182.5% and 20.0%, respectively.
Imports for November 1-10 totaled $24.71 billion, up 45.0% from the same period a year earlier. As exports exceeded imports, the trade balance recorded an $8.8 billion surplus.
Background
The supplied article states that cumulative exports this year stood at $963.663 billion, and that the strong showing was supported by continued strength in semiconductors. No additional background was provided in the source.
Items Requiring Further Verification
- The article refers to “2026 November 1-10” in the customs release, while the surrounding text describes “this year” and compares the figures with last year; the year reference should be independently checked for consistency.
- The claim that annual exports are nearing the first-ever $1 trillion mark is presented as analysis rather than a completed outcome.
- The statement that semiconductor strength is the cause of the export increase is an interpretation based on the reported figures, not a separate verified causal finding.