(2nd LD) S. Korea's exports jump 49.4 pct in first 20 days of April on robust chip demand

South Korea's April Exports Surge on Semiconductor Demand, Data Show

South Korea's export performance continued to strengthen in April, driven by robust global demand for semiconductors and artificial intelligence-related products, according to data released by government agencies this month.

First 20 Days of April: Record-High Shipments

In the April 1–20 period, outbound shipments reached US$50.4 billion, up 49.4% from US$33.7 billion a year earlier, the Korea Customs Service reported on April 21. This marked the highest figure for the first 20 days of April on record.

Semiconductor exports spiked 182.5% year-on-year to US$18.3 billion during the period. Computers and related equipment saw a 399% surge to US$2.2 billion, while petroleum products rose 48.4% to US$3.2 billion and ship exports climbed 76.6% to US$1.8 billion. Steel exports gained 8.6% to US$2.6 billion.

In contrast, automobile exports fell 14.1% to US$3.1 billion, and auto parts dropped 8.8% to US$1.1 billion.

By destination, exports to China expanded 70.9% to US$11.2 billion, while shipments to the United States climbed 51.7% to US$9.3 billion. Vietnam, the European Union, and Japan saw increases of 79.2%, 10.5%, and 40.7%, respectively.

Imports during the period rose 17.7% to US$39.9 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$10.4 billion. Crude oil imports gained 13.1% to US$4.8 billion, marking the third consecutive month of on-year increase amid rising international oil prices linked to the Middle Eastern crisis.

Full-Month April Figures: Second-Highest Monthly Export Total

For the entire month of April, South Korea's exports totaled US$85.89 billion, up 48% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. This was the second-highest monthly export figure ever, following an all-time high of US$86.6 billion in March.

Chip exports amounted to US$31.9 billion, spiking 173.5% from a year earlier—the highest-ever for any April—on persisting demand for AI semiconductors and rising memory chip prices.

Petroleum product exports rose 39.9% to US$5.11 billion despite lower shipment volumes, as oil prices surged due to the Middle East conflict. Auto exports dropped 5.5% to US$6.17 billion, attributed partly to shipping disruptions and Korean carmakers' expanded U.S. production in response to Washington's tariff policies.

By destination, exports to China jumped 62.5% to US$17.7 billion, rising for the sixth consecutive month. Exports to the U.S. gained 54% to US$16.33 billion.

Imports rose 16.7% to US$62.11 billion, producing a trade surplus of US$23.77 billion—the second consecutive month with a surplus above US$20 billion.

ICT Sector: Steepest On-Year Increase in April

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, outbound shipments of information and communication technology (ICT) products in April rose 125.9% year-on-year to US$42.7 billion—the sharpest on-year increase by percentage and the second-largest value since the ministry began compiling the data.

Semiconductor exports in the ICT category jumped 173.3% to US$31.9 billion, driven by excess demand for memory chips amid steady AI investment. Computers and related accessories surged 430% to US$4.3 billion, boosted by solid-state drives (SSDs) used in AI infrastructure. Smartphones rose 14% to US$1.4 billion, while telecommunication devices advanced 9.9% to US$220 million.

Exports of display products declined 5.3% to US$1.4 billion due to cost pressures from higher chip prices.

By destination, exports to the United States rose nearly fourfold, led by chips, smartphones, computers, and accessories. Exports to China jumped 132.1%.

ICT imports rose 33.3% to US$16.2 billion, resulting in a sector surplus of US$26.6 billion. The ministry noted that ICT exports accounted for around 49.7% of total exports in April, reaffirming the sector's role as a key growth engine.

March ICT Data: More Than Doubled

In March, ICT exports more than doubled from a year earlier, reaching US$43.51 billion, up from US$20.52 billion, the Ministry of Science and ICT reported on April 14. This was the first time monthly ICT exports exceeded US$40 billion for March.

Semiconductor exports surged 151% to US$32.84 billion, supported by demand from global AI data centers. Smartphone exports jumped 57% to US$1.54 billion, and computers and related equipment nearly tripled to US$3.59 billion. Display panel exports fell 9.3% to US$1.49 billion.

By destination, exports to the United States nearly tripled to US$8 billion from US$2.77 billion. Exports to China, including Hong Kong, more than doubled to US$17.66 billion.

Imports rose 32.2% to US$16.15 billion, yielding a trade surplus of US$27.36 billion in the sector. ICT exports represented 50.5% of total exports in March, according to the ministry.

Outlook and Challenges

Despite the strong export figures, government data pointed to persistent uncertainties. The Korea Customs Service noted that conditions remain challenging due to growing global uncertainties, including the conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed up oil prices and disrupted some shipping routes. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources also cited the Middle East crisis and U.S. tariff policies as factors affecting auto exports.

The continued strength of semiconductor and ICT exports, however, underscores the central role of the AI-driven demand cycle in supporting South Korea's trade performance.