South Korea’s Export Surge Continues as AI Boom Fuels Chip Sales

South Korea’s exports extended this year’s surge in April as booming semiconductor demand continues to anchor growth, despite mounting risks from higher energy prices linked to the Iran turmoil.

The value of shipments adjusted for differences in the number of working days surged 48% from a year earlier, the trade ministry said Friday. Unadjusted exports also rose 48%, compared with a revised 49.2% gain for the full month of March. Imports increased 16.7%, resulting in a trade surplus of $23.8 billion.

The data reinforce signs that South Korea’s export engine remains resilient for now, even as external risks intensify. The ...