“Exports through the first 20 days of August came in stronger than expected, driven by a surge in semiconductor shipments,” said Bloomberg economist Hyosung Kwon. “Strong global demand for AI-related computer chips lifted overall exports, while car shipments also jumped — probably supported by an expected decrease in US tariffs on Korean cars to 15%.”

The latest data come after a last-minute trade deal that capped US tariffs on imports of Korean goods at 15% — a higher rate than the 10% implemented from April, but below the 25% level that President Donald Trump had threatened to impose.

South Korea’s shipments of semiconductors increased almost 30% from a year earlier in the first 20 days of August, the customs office data showed, with such devices accounting for nearly 25% of total exports. Meanwhile, auto exports climbed 22% during the same period.

Still, exports face risks ahead. The front-loading impact is expected to fade now that a trade deal has been reached, and Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on semiconductors this month.

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