Korea’s exports are anticipated to stay stable within the fourth quarter, supported by sturdy semiconductor demand and restricted affect from U.S. tariff measures following a current settlement, a state-run analysis institute mentioned Friday.
Exports, a key driver of Asia’s fourth-largest financial system, are projected to succeed in round $175 billion within the October-December interval, matching the extent recorded a 12 months earlier, in keeping with the Abroad Financial Analysis Institute underneath the Export-Import Financial institution of Korea (Eximbank).
For the complete 12 months of 2025, exports are forecast to rise 1.7 p.c year-on-year to about $695 billion, it added.
The institute attributed the outlook to rising semiconductor costs for the reason that third quarter, better-than-expected financial efficiency in main export markets and elevated equipment orders stemming from main protection contracts.
In October, exports rose 3.6 p.c year-on-year to $59.57 billion, marking year-on-year progress for the fifth consecutive month, although shipments to the U.S. fell 16.2 p.c to $8.71 billion due primarily to tariff results.
“The chance of export declines seems restricted following the conclusion of tariff negotiations with america,” the institute mentioned in a report.
Final week, Seoul and Washington reached an settlement on the main points of their framework tariff deal signed in July, which requires Korea’s $350 billion funding within the U.S. in trade for Washington decreasing “reciprocal” tariffs from 25 p.c to fifteen p.c.
Below the newest settlement, Korea would make investments $200 billion in money within the U.S., with annual investments capped at $20 billion, whereas the remaining $150 billion can be allotted to bilateral shipbuilding cooperation tasks.
