▲ Export and import cargo stacked at the Sinseondae Pier of Busan Port on August 6
Exports in mid-August surged by more than 50% compared to the same period last year, driven by a strong boom in semiconductor exports.
The proportion of semiconductors in total exports reached 47.2%, nearing half and marking a record high for the August 1–20 period.
According to the Korea Customs Service today (the 21st), exports from August 1 to 20 (provisional figures based on customs clearance) stood at $55.2 billion, up 56.0% from a year earlier.
This is the largest ever for the August 1–20 period.
The number of working days stood at 14, which is 0.5 days fewer than the same period last year (14.5 days).
Consequently, the growth rate of average daily exports ($3.94 billion) reached 61.5%.
By product category, semiconductor exports jumped 198.8% to $26.03 billion.
This is the largest volume ever recorded for the August 1–20 period.
The share of semiconductors in total exports came to 47.2%, up 22.5 percentage points from a year ago.
This is also the highest proportion ever recorded for the August 1–20 period.
In addition, exports increased for petroleum products (56.4%) and computer peripherals (242.1%).
Conversely, declines were seen in passenger cars (-45.1%), ships (-60.5%), and auto parts (-19.9%).
Passenger car exports are interpreted to have been affected by summer vacations concentrated at the beginning of the month, alongside partial strikes underway at some business sites.
By country, exports grew to China (118.6%), the United States (59.4%), Vietnam (67.4%), and Hong Kong (245.5%), while declining to the European Union (EU, -3.2%).
The top three countries—China, the United States, and Vietnam—accounted for 52.6% of total exports.
Imports amounted to $41.2 billion, an increase of 19.0% from a year earlier.
Imports rose for semiconductors (59.4%), crude oil (17.0%), semiconductor manufacturing equipment (89.3%), and machinery (10.2%), while dropping for gas (-17.1%).
Energy (crude oil, gas, coal) imports increased by 11.1%.
Imports by country increased from China (27.9%), the United States (23.5%), the European Union (17.4%), and Japan (34.1%), while decreasing from Saudi Arabia (-22.2%).
With exports outpacing imports, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $14 billion.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.