Korea’s Exporters Contribute to the Nation’s Growth More than Ever Before

Helping the nations’ exports to reach $709.7 bil. in 2025

Last year, Korea’s exports surpassed $700 billion for the first time, achieving a record high. Fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, semiconductor exports reached a record high of $173.4 bil., driving the nation’s overall export growth. Exports in December last year increased by 13.4%, the highest-ever in December.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), last year’s exports reached $709.7 bil., a 3.8% increase from the previous year, surpassing the previous record set in 2024. Daily average exports also rose by 4.6% to $2.64 bil., reaching a record high.
Semiconductor exports, the nation’s largest export item, surged by 22.2% to $173.4 bil., driven by rising prices and the booming investments in AI and data centers. This marked another record high, following the previous year’s record.

Automobile exports also reached a record high, rising by 1.7% to $72 bil. While exports to the United States, the largest market, declined due to the impact of U.S. tariffs, exports to the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) saw positive growth, driven by robust exports of eco-friendly and used vehicles.
Exports of ships (up 24.9% to $32 bil.), computers (up 4.5% to $13.8 bil.), and wireless communication devices (up 0.4% to $17.3 bil.) also showed strong performance.
In celebration of the 62nd Trade Day, the nation’s government awarded Export Towers to 1,689 companies, in recognition of their export performance and of their contribution to the national economy.

SK Hynix received the highest Export Tower, for its semiconductor exports reaching $35 billion. Other recipients included Hyundai Glovis ($6 billion Export Tower), HD Hyundai Samho ($4 billion Export Tower), and Hyundai Rotem ($2 billion Export Tower).
The nation’s MOTIE’s Minister stated, “Our achievements of last year were the result of the combined competitiveness of our industries and our commitment to exports, symbolizing the strength and resilience of our economy and exports,” adding “Going forward, we will go beyond record-breaking exports and pioneer new avenues for our trade through industrial innovation and K-culture. We will also make every effort to implement policies that ensure the impact of our exports spreads to SMEs, regions, and workers.”

 
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