South Korea’s exports surge on semiconductor demand and AI investment 📊 October exports reached $115.28 billion, up 93.7% from a year earlier—the fastest growth since January 1974. AI infrastructure demand continued to support shipments. 📅 More working days helped lift the headline figure. Still, average daily exports rose 76.1%, showing that growth extended beyond calendar effects. 💻 Semiconductor exports reached $56.44 billion, up 259.4%, accounting for nearly 49% of total shipments. This exposure supports gains from AI investment while increasing sensitivity to chip prices and technology companies’ spending. 🔎 Exports totaled $930 billion through October, approaching the $1 trillion milestone the government expects in November. Sustained chip demand and broader growth across other industries remain key factors to watch. #GlobalTrade