韩国年内出口额突破7000亿美元，半导体出口继续主导增长

South Korea's exports topped $700 billion this year, surpassing the full-year total for last year. With 117 days left in the year, the country set a record high and moved within sight of becoming the fourth nation to reach $1 trillion in annual exports.
Cumulative exports reached $709.4 billion as of 1 p.m. on the 5th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said. That exceeded last year's annual total of $709.3 billion in 248 days. After topping $700 billion in annual exports for the first time last year, the country cleared the same mark in early September this year.
Monthly exports set record highs for each corresponding month from January through August. In June, monthly exports surpassed $100 billion for the first time, reaching $102 billion. July and August exports came in at $99 billion and $98.3 billion, ranking second and third among all monthly totals. Monthly exports averaged $59.1 billion last year.
Semiconductors drove the record. Chip exports totaled $281.2 billion from January to August, up 169.6% from a year earlier. The eight-month figure was 60% higher than last year's annual total of $175.3 billion. Semiconductors' share of total exports climbed to 40.6%.
Total exports over the same period rose 52.8% to $693.3 billion. Semiconductors accounted for about 74% of the overall increase. Exports excluding chips grew 18.0%, but semiconductors overwhelmingly outpaced the broader expansion.
Exports of computer peripherals surged 262.2%, while petroleum products, wireless communication devices and ships rose 40.7%, 28.1% and 12.4%. Passenger car exports fell 4.4% and auto parts declined 7.3%, showing a divide across product categories.
By destination, exports to China rose 76.1% to $145.3 billion, while shipments to the United States and Vietnam gained 57.0% and 57.7%. Exports to all three markets exceeded last year's annual totals in just eight months. Exports to Hong Kong and Malaysia jumped 170.7% and 95.4%. Exports to the Middle East fell 9.8%, weighed down by regional instability.
The prospect of reaching $1 trillion in annual exports has grown. Monthly exports averaging about $76.7 billion from September through December would deliver the $1 trillion mark. That is roughly 12% below the monthly average of about $86.7 billion recorded from January to August, meaning the target remains within reach even if the pace slows somewhat.
The ministry said South Korea would become the world's fourth country to reach $1 trillion in annual exports, after the United States, China and Germany, if the current growth continues. Rising protectionism among major economies, the restructuring of global supply chains and shifts in the semiconductor cycle were cited as variables for the remainder of the year.