According to the “Import and Export Trends from July 1 to 20” released by the Korea Customs Service on July 21, from July 1 to 20, Korea’s export value reached $54.9 billion, up 52.3% year over year, setting a historical high for the same period. The previous peak for the same period was $36.9 billion in July 2024. Semiconductor exports were the main growth driver, with export value increasing 180% year over year to $22.1 billion.
Key Data on Korea’s Semiconductor Exports: Up 180% YoY, Export Value $22.1 Billion
Semiconductor exports are the core driver of Korea’s export growth for July 1–20, 2026. Semiconductor export value rose 180% year over year to $22.1 billion, setting a historical high for the same period; the share of total exports was 40.3%, up 18.4 percentage points from the same period last year. On the import side, imports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment also grew significantly, reflecting expansion momentum on the manufacturing end.
Total Exports for July 1–20: $54.9 Billion, Up 52.3% YoY
Preliminary data released by the Korea Customs Service shows that total exports from July 1 to 20 reached $54.9 billion, up 52.3% year over year, breaking the previous historical record of $36.9 billion for the same period in July 2024. In addition to semiconductors, computer peripheral equipment (+231.9%) and petroleum products (+33.4%) also recorded notable growth, providing further momentum to total export volume.
Growth Data for Major Export Destinations: China, Vietnam, the United States, and the EU
Korea’s export growth from July 1–20 was mainly driven by the following five major destinations:
China: +94.1% (largest increase, one of the top three destinations)
Vietnam: +82.4% (one of the top three destinations)
United States: +39.6% (one of the top three destinations)
European Union: +30.3%
Combined, China, the United States, and Vietnam accounted for 51.9% of total exports from July 1–20.
Import Data and Trade Surplus: Imports of $42.7 Billion, Surplus of $12.2 Billion
From July 1–20, import value grew 20% year over year to $42.7 billion. Imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, crude oil, and machinery equipment all increased significantly; energy imports including crude oil, natural gas, and coal grew 27.4%. Subtracting import value ($42.7 billion) from export value ($54.9 billion), the trade surplus was $12.2 billion.
FAQ
What was the total export value for South Korea for July 1–20, 2026, and what record did it set?
According to preliminary data released by the Korea Customs Service on July 21, 2026, Korea’s total export value for July 1–20 reached $54.9 billion, up 52.3% year over year, setting a historical high for the same period. The previous highest record for the same period was $36.9 billion in July 2024.
What share did semiconductor exports account for in Korea’s export growth this time?
Semiconductor exports rose 180% year over year to $22.1 billion, accounting for 40.3% of total exports from July 1–20, up 18.4 percentage points from the same period last year. This is the most important driver of overall export growth, and it also set a historical high for the same period.
By how much did exports to China and Vietnam grow this time?
Based on preliminary data from the Korea Customs Service, exports to China grew 94.1% for July 1–20, and exports to Vietnam grew 82.4%. Combined, China, the United States, and Vietnam accounted for 51.9% of total export value.
