South Korea exports hit $98.89B as AI demand surges

Business Aug 01, 2026

South Korea just had a massive export boom: shipments shot up 62.8% in July 2026, hitting $98.89 billion.

This surge beat expert predictions and was only outdone by last month's record since 1978.

The big driver? Huge global demand for semiconductors and computers, all thanks to the ongoing AI wave.

Semiconductor exports surge 179% computers 404%

Semiconductor exports soared by 179%, boosted by pricier memory chips despite a new AI development in China, even with some worries about Apple possibly turning to China for chips.

Computer exports were even wilder, jumping 404% as US tech giants invested heavily in AI infrastructure.

China 96% US 69% surplus $30.32B

China and the US were South Korea's top buyers: exports to China nearly doubled (up 96%), while shipments to the US rose by 69%.

With imports also up, South Korea ended July with a healthy trade surplus of $30.32 billion.