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South Korea Exports Stay Strong as AI Boom Fuels Chip Demand

Seoul, 1 July 2026 – South Korea’s exports are expected to remain strong as global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to lift semiconductor shipments, reinforcing the country’s role as one of Asia’s clearest beneficiaries of the AI investment cycle.

Exports from Asia’s fourth-largest economy were forecast to rise 61.0% year-on-year in June, accelerating from May’s 53.4% growth and marking the strongest pace since October 1978. The surge underscores how deeply South Korea’s trade performance is now tied to chips, high-bandwidth memory, AI servers and advanced computing demand.

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Author

  • Kenji Yamamoto is a Senior Fellow at The Ledger Asia, where he explores the critical nexus of Asian international relations, economic development, and environmental sustainability. With extensive experience in cross-border policy analysis, Kenji provides a unique perspective on how diplomatic alliances and green energy transitions drive long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific.

    Previously an advisor for regional development banks, he specializes in sustainable infrastructure and the circular economy’s role in modernizing emerging markets. At The Ledger Asia, Kenji’s deep-dive reports help readers navigate the complex balance between rapid industrialization and the global imperative for climate resilience and corporate responsibility.

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