November exports this yr elevated 8.4% in comparison with the identical month final yr, setting a brand new report excessive for November. This was attributed to continued robust export efficiency centered on semiconductors.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Sources introduced the 2025 November Import and Export Tendencies on Dec. 1. In response to the ministry’s report, final month’s exports totaled $61.04 billion, an 8.4% improve in comparison with November final yr. Though the variety of working days decreased by at some point in comparison with November final yr, every day common exports elevated 13.3%, enhancing general month-to-month export efficiency.
In response to the ministry, Korea’s cumulative exports from January to November ($640.2 billion) additionally recorded the very best degree in three years. This was resulting from favorable efficiency all year long, with month-to-month export figures recording optimistic year-on-year outcomes for six consecutive months since June. Assuming December exports report the identical degree as final yr ($61.359 billion), this yr’s breakthrough of $700 billion in exports seems possible.
Regardless of the aftermath of U.S.-originated uncertainties, this yr’s improved export efficiency was attributed to semiconductors. November semiconductor exports totaled $17.26 billion, a 38.6% improve in comparison with the identical month final yr. This resulted from enhancements in each export quantity and unit costs by merchandise as demand for high-value-added reminiscence centered on knowledge facilities elevated globally. Cumulative semiconductor exports from January to November reached $152.6 billion, already surpassing final yr’s determine ($141.9 billion), which had been the earlier annual most export report.
In response to the ministry, among the many 15 main export gadgets together with semiconductors, six confirmed a rise in November. Car exports rose 13.7% to $6.41 billion. Wi-fi communication units and secondary batteries additionally confirmed improved export efficiency of 1.6% and a pair of.2% respectively. Nonetheless, petroleum merchandise (-190.3%) and petrochemicals (-14.1%) noticed export figures decline resulting from world oversupply.
November imports elevated 1.2% year-on-year to $51.3 billion. Whereas power imports decreased 18.4% to $8.72 billion, non-energy imports elevated 6.4%. Consequently, the commerce steadiness confirmed a surplus of $9.73 billion, a rise of $4.17 billion in comparison with the earlier yr. The cumulative commerce steadiness surplus from January to November was $66.07 billion.
