Korea's Nov 1–10 exports more than double to US$33.5 billion — chips make up half, US$1 trillion year in sight

Korea Customs Service released preliminary figures for Nov 1–10 on Nov 11. Exports came to US$33.46 billion, up US$17.67 billion (111.9%) from a year earlier and the highest ever for the period. There were 7.5 working days versus 7.0 last year, but daily average exports also rose 97.7% to US$4.46 billion, so the gain was large even after adjusting for the extra half day.

● Semiconductors: US$16.63 billion (+331.2%), a record for the period. Their share of total exports rose 25.3 percentage points in a year to 49.7%. ● Other items: petroleum products +100.7% and computer peripherals +237.7%, while passenger cars fell 4.3%. ● By market: Taiwan +182.5%, the U.S. +163.6%, China +148.0% and Vietnam +113.3%. ● Imports and balance: imports were US$24.71 billion (+45.0%), led by energy such as crude oil (+75.8%) and gas (+192.1%). The trade balance showed a surplus of US$8.75 billion.

Cumulative exports from Jan 1 to Nov 10 reached US$963.66 billion, about US$36 billion short of a US$1 trillion year. High-value, low-volume goods such as chips and computer peripherals move largely by air, so space on flights out of Incheon may get tighter toward year-end.

If you have year-end shipments, check flight schedules and cut-off times for air, and vessel space and document deadlines for ocean, well in advance. Kaltstart's operations team (+82-2-2135-3351) can advise on schedules and quotes by route.

Source: Korea Customs Service, "Exports and Imports, November 1–10, 2026" (Nov 11, 2026) https://www.customs.go.kr