South Korea Exports Surge 62.8 Percent on AI Chip Demand

South Korea reported a 62.8 percent year-on-year increase in export revenue for July 2026, reaching $98.89 billion. This figure surpassed the median expert forecast of 59.0 percent, though it represents a slight deceleration from the 70.7 percent surge recorded in June. The growth was primarily propelled by AI investments from major U.S. technology firms, which triggered a 404 percent increase in computer equipment sales and a 179 percent jump in semiconductor exports amid rising memory chip prices.

Trade data indicates significant gains in key markets, with exports to China rising 96 percent and exports to the United States increasing 69 percent. This trend continues a strong growth streak that began in June 2025.

In the corporate sector, Samsung Electronics reported a more than 250-fold increase in chip profit and secured multi-year supply agreements with data center operators. Meanwhile, SK Hynix reported strong quarterly results, although the figures did not meet investor expectations.