October exports reach USD 115.28 billion — chips make up half, USD 1 trillion year in sight

According to preliminary October trade figures released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources on November 1, exports rose 93.7% year on year to USD 115.28 billion. Imports were USD 72.78 billion (+36.0%), leaving a trade surplus of USD 42.5 billion. It is the second-best month on record after September (USD 121.1 billion). Cumulative exports for January–October reached about USD 930 billion, and annual exports are expected to pass USD 1 trillion in November.

Semiconductors drove the growth. With AI server investment continuing, chip exports reached USD 56.44 billion (+259.4%), about 49% of the total, while computers hit USD 5.85 billion (+496.6%) on demand for server SSDs. Automobiles (USD 6.55 billion, +18.1%) and petroleum products (USD 6.92 billion, +80.0%) also grew, but ships fell 43.6% to USD 2.64 billion. By market, exports to China (USD 26.98 billion, +133.6%), the US (USD 24.9 billion, +185.8%) and ASEAN (USD 21.33 billion, +128%) all increased.

Higher export volumes on top of the year-end peak may tighten air and ocean capacity. If you are planning exports for November and December, please share your ready dates and volumes early, and we will move booking and customs preparation forward.

Sources: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, "October 2026 Export and Import Trends" (Nov 1, 2026) https://www.motir.go.kr/kor/article/ATCL3f49a5a8c/172360/view Hankook Ilbo (Nov 1, 2026) https://www.hankookilbo.com/news/article/A2026110108520005142