South Korean Exports Nearly Double on AI Chip Surge

Quick Answer: **South Korea exports** rose 93.7% year on year to US$115.28 billion in October, driven by AI chip and server demand. Semiconductor exports jumped 259.4% to US$56.44 billion, and the trade ministry says annual exports of US$1 trillion are becoming certain within November. The source names no Bursa-listed company, so the link to Malaysian shareholders is indirect.

Why Did South Korea Exports Nearly Double in October?

South Korea exports nearly doubled in October on AI investment boom — South Korea’s October exports rose 93.7% on the AI investment boom.

**South Korea exports** rose **93.7%** from a year earlier to **US$115.28 billion**, slightly above a median forecast of 93.2% in a Reuters poll of economists. The pace beat September’s 83.7% gain and was the strongest since January 1974.

Extra working days helped, because the timing of the Chuseok holidays differed from a year earlier. The global AI investment boom did the rest.

What Drove the AI Chip Export Surge?

Chip shipments did most of the heavy lifting, according to the trade ministry.

Semiconductors: up 259.4% to US$56.44 billion, as prices and volumes stayed high on facility investment by global big tech firms.
Computers: up 496.6% on rising server demand for AI services.

South Korea’s economy also grew faster than expected in the third quarter. Strong semiconductor exports and investment led the gain, with **Samsung Electronics** and **SK Hynix** posting surging profits.

Which Markets Bought South Korea’s Exports?

United States: up 185.8%
China: up 133.6%
Southeast Asia: up 128.0%
Europe: up 56.4%

Southeast Asia is the closest region to Malaysia on this list. Its 128.0% rise is the figure most relevant to Bursa-listed exporters with regional exposure.

Is South Korea on Track for US$1 Trillion in Exports?

Exports for January to October totalled **US$930 billion**. Trade minister Kim Jung-kwan said, “With exports continuing solid growth of more than US$110 billion in October, it is becoming certain that annual exports of US$1 trillion will be reached within November.”

If it happens, South Korea becomes the fourth country to reach that milestone, after the US, China and Germany.

Why Did South Korea’s Imports Jump 36.0%?

Imports rose **36.0%** to **US$72.78 billion**, after a 26.0% rise in September. It is the biggest annual increase since January 2022.

Higher crude oil prices, along with demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and automobiles, drove the increase. The monthly trade surplus narrowed to **US$42.50 billion** from a record **US$49.97 billion** in September.

What Does the Chip Boom Mean for Bursa Stocks to Monitor?

This report names no Bursa-listed company, and it gives no Malaysian export or stock figures. The useful signal is the scale of AI-linked chip and server demand across the region.

Investors may want to watch Bursa-listed names with exposure to regional electronics supply chains. Use the **AI stock analysis** tools available to Malaysians to screen those names, then check each company’s own filings. For background on AI-driven screening, see AI Stock Analysis for Malaysians.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not financial advice. Do your own research before making any investment decision.

Key Takeaways

South Korea’s October exports rose 93.7% to US$115.28 billion, the strongest pace since January 1974.
Semiconductor exports jumped 259.4% to US$56.44 billion, and computer sales rose 496.6%.
Exports reached US$930 billion from January to October, with US$1 trillion expected within November.
Imports rose 36.0% to US$72.78 billion, narrowing the monthly surplus to US$42.50 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did South Korea’s exports rise in October?

South Korea’s exports rose 93.7% from a year earlier to US$115.28 billion in October. The rise was slightly above a Reuters poll median forecast of 93.2%.

Why did South Korea’s semiconductor exports surge?

Semiconductor exports jumped 259.4% to US$56.44 billion in October. The trade ministry linked this to high prices and volumes from continued facility investment by global big tech firms.

Will South Korea reach US$1 trillion in annual exports?

Trade minister Kim Jung-kwan said it is becoming certain that annual exports of US$1 trillion will be reached within November. Exports for January to October totalled US$930 billion.

Which Samsung and SK Hynix results were mentioned?

The source says Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix posted surging profits, as South Korea’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter. The article gives no specific profit figures for either company.

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