Exports Hit $98.3 Billion with Semiconductors Accounting for 48%: Three Signals Hidden Behind Record Highs

Exports at $98.3 Billion, Nearly Half in Semiconductors… What Businesses Should Look at Before Total Figures 47.5% of August exports came from semiconductors, while non-semiconductor exports also rose 20%: Reading South Korea's export structure through differences in prices, volumes, and markets According to the 'August 2026 Import and Export Trends' released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) on September 1, South Korea's exports recorded $98.25 billion, up 68.7% from the same month last year, surpassing $90 billion for three consecutive months following June and July. Imports for the same month stood at $63.51 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $34.75 billion. The aggregate figures announced separately by MOTIE and the Korea Customs Service are based on the same customs clearance data, and as they are preliminary figures based on customs clearance up to August…