Macro EconomyMedium•1 October 2026•
1 min read
South Korea September Exports Surge 83.5% on AI Chip Demand Boom
Key Facts
1South Korea's exports rose 83.5% year-on-year to $120.94 billion in September.
South Korea's exports rose 83.5% year-on-year to $120.94 billion in September. The Wall Street Journal reported that the surge was driven by massive global demand for memory chips used in AI infrastructure, benefiting major national chipmakers including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.
SKHY closed at $184.15 on September 30, 2026, while SMSN.L closed at $5120 on September 29, 2026. The record export figures highlight the ongoing strength of the semiconductor sector and its significant impact on the broader South Korean economy amid the global AI boom.