Overview
- Exports rose 8.4% year over year to $61.04 billion in November, extending gains to a sixth month and topping economist expectations.
- Semiconductor shipments climbed about 38.5% to a record $17.26 billion on stronger data‑centre demand and higher memory prices.
- Auto exports increased 13.7% after a finalized U.S.–Korea trade deal reduced tariff uncertainty for vehicles and parts.
- Imports edged up 1.2% to $51.30 billion, producing a $9.7 billion surplus, the largest since September 2017, with year‑to‑date exports at a record $640.2 billion and reported expectations for a first‑ever $700 billion year.
- Strength was uneven as steel and petrochemical exports fell, and the Bank of Korea signaled it is near the end of its easing cycle after raising its growth forecast.