A new forecast shows South Korea’s exports rose sharply in November, driven by booming global demand for semiconductors. A poll of economists predicts around a 5.7% year-on-year increase in exports, up from 3.5% in October. Semiconductor shipments have surged 26.5% in the first 20 days of November alone. Auto exports also saw gains, rising 22.9%. Shipments to major markets including the United States and China showed upticks of 5.7% and 10.2% respectively. The improved outlook helps reverse recent trade-sector slump linked to tariff uncertainties.

Industry analysts say the rebound bodes well for East Asian manufacturing and global tech supply chains. With chip shipments rising, neighboring countries that assemble electronics are likely to receive more components soon. The trend could ease supply pressures ahead of the holiday season. Observers note that continued strong demand for memory and AI-related chips may sustain export momentum into early 2026.