Government data showed on Monday that South Korea's exports rose by 53.9% year-on-year in the first 10 days of July.

South Korea's shipments reached $29.8 billion in the first 10 days of July 2026, compared to about $19.3 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service.

This figure is the highest level for the first ten days of any month, with the previous record of $28.6 billion set in June, according to Yonhap News Agency.

South Korea's imports reached $23.5 billion, up 17.4% during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.4 billion.

By sector, semiconductor exports nearly tripled to $11.2 billion in the first 10 days of this month, while automobile exports rose 5.7% year-on-year to $1.89 billion, and exports of petroleum products and ships grew by 22.7% and 71.1% respectively to $1.75 billion and $1.54 billion.

By destination, exports to China rose 88.7% to $7 billion, while exports to the United States increased by 43.2% to $4.91 billion.

As of July 10 this year, cumulative total exports reached $526.1 billion, up 48.6% from the previous year, with a trade surplus of $144 billion.

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