South Korean Exports Surge on Semiconductor Demand

South Korean exports are projected to have risen by 9.0% year-on-year in December, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth, according to a Reuters poll of 11 economists. This increase is primarily driven by a robust 41.8% surge in semiconductor exports, fueled by demand related to artificial intelligence technology. This momentum is expected to result in a trade surplus of $10.0 billion, the largest since September 2017, underscoring the structural strength of the country's export base even as other sectors face challenges.