South Korea Export Growth Hits Four Year High as January Shipments Surge
South Korea reported a 33.9 percent rise in January exports, reaching $65.85 billion. This marks the fastest growth in four and a half years for the economy.
Government trade data released on February 1, 2026, showed that exports from South Korea 
KRrose 33.9 percent in January compared to the previous year. Total shipments reached a value of $65.85 billion for the month, while imports rose 11.7 percent from a year earlier to $57.11 billion. This reported export outcome exceeded a median 29.9 percent increase that had been tipped in a Reuters poll of economists.
KRrose 33.9 percent in January compared to the previous year. Total shipments reached a value of $65.85 billion for the month, while imports rose 11.7 percent from a year earlier to $57.11 billion. This reported export outcome exceeded a median 29.9 percent increase that had been tipped in a Reuters poll of economists.The January figures represent the eighth consecutive monthly increase for the South Korean export sector. Furthermore, the 33.9 percent jump marks the fastest year-on-year pace of growth recorded in four and a half years. The South Korean government provided the trade data which highlights the sustained momentum in the country's external trade activity, including developments in the South Korean import sector.
