Seoul: South Korea’s exports rose 3.6% year-on-year in October 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth, despite the impact of US tariffs, thanks to strong demand for semiconductors.
According to Yemen News Agency, the value of exported shipments reached $59.57 billion last month, citing data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Imports declined 1.5% year-on-year to $53.52 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.06 billion.
Semiconductor exports jumped 25.4% year-on-year to $15.73 billion, but exports to the United States fell 16.2% year-on-year to $8.71 billion due to the impact of tariffs. Seoul and Washington have finalized the details of South Korea’s $350 billion investment pledge and concluded a trade agreement that will reduce US tariffs on Korean goods and cars from 25% to 15%.