03.08.2026 Analytics #World #USA #EU #Export #Statistics #Logistics

South Korea's July exports jump 62.8% on AI memory boom, second record

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIE) released preliminary trade data on Saturday, August 1, 2026, showing exports of $98.89 billion in July, up 62.8% year-on-year — the second-highest monthly figure on record, trailing only June's $102.2 billion peak (Xinhua). Average daily exports rose 69.6% to $4.12 billion (Xinhua).

Semiconductors drive a second consecutive record month

Semiconductors remain the core driver, with exports of $41.01 billion, up 178.8% year-on-year — the second straight month above the $40 billion threshold (Xinhua). Trading Economics notes that chip shipments have now risen for a 14th consecutive month, driven by strong demand for memory chips (Trading Economics). The effect is visible in adjacent categories too: computer exports surged 404% to $4.79 billion, mobile phone exports rose 51% to $1.81 billion, displays edged up 2.4% to $1.61 billion, automobiles grew 7% to $6.24 billion, and ships climbed 46.9% to $3.29 billion (all figures — Xinhua).

Imports rose 26.5% to $68.56 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $30.32 billion — the second consecutive month above $30 billion and, according to Trading Economics, above the market forecast of $29.59 billion, marking an 18th straight month of surplus (Trading Economics).

Where the goods went

By destination, shipments to the United States rose 68.7% to $17.43 billion. ASEAN set a record at $18.80 billion (+73.7%), while exports to the EU rose to $9.38 billion (+55.7%) and to the Middle East to $1.83 billion (+24.7%) (Xinhua).

What it means for cargo flows and customs brokers

For importers of electronics and players in memory/AI-infrastructure supply chains, the MOTIE data signals sustained demand: Korean producers keep ramping up memory semiconductor shipments to the United States, ASEAN and the EU. That points to heavier utilization of trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe lanes and Korean ports, alongside growing declaration volumes under semiconductor and computing equipment categories. Brokers working with these categories should plan for the elevated pace of memory shipments to continue at least through the rest of the year.

July figures remain preliminary; MOTIE typically publishes a fuller product breakdown later in the month. August will be the test of whether the surplus holds above $30 billion for a third straight month.

Primary sources

• Xinhua: South Korea's exports post second-highest monthly figure on record in July on chip boom
• Trading Economics: South Korea Trade Surplus Beats Forecasts
• The Korea Times: Korea's monthly exports up 62.8% in July on strong chip shipments

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.