South Korea’s June exports top $1 trillion, driven by semiconductor surge

South Korea’s provisional June export total reached $1,022.4 billion, a 70.9% year‑on‑year increase and the first monthly export figure to exceed $1 trillion. Semiconductor shipments rose 199.5% to $44.8 billion, accounting for about 44% of total exports, boosted by global AI‑related demand. Exports of computers, wireless devices and other high‑tech goods also grew, while traditional items such as oil products and steel saw double‑digit gains. The trade surplus hit a record $361.5 billion, surpassing the $300 billion mark for the first time, and cumulative January‑June exports amounted to $496.7 billion, the highest on record.

Despite the strong external performance, analysts note that domestic economic conditions remain weak. Small and medium‑sized enterprises face cash‑flow pressures, many retailers have closed, and consumer demand is sluggish. Commentators argue that the export boom should be leveraged to support structural reforms, improve financing for vulnerable firms, and stimulate the domestic market, rather than being viewed as a sign of a fully recovered economy.