February exports reach $67.4 billion, with record highs for daily average and semiconductor shipments

According to The Financial News, South Korea’s exports in February reached $67.45 billion, the highest figure ever recorded for the month of February. When adjusted for the number of working days, average daily exports came to $3.55 billion, surpassing the $3 billion mark for the first time.
On the 1st, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources released its report on “Export and Import Trends for February 2026.” The data showed that last month’s exports rose 29% year-on-year to $67.45 billion. Imports in February increased 7.5% from a year earlier to $51.94 billion.
As exports outpaced imports, the trade balance in February posted a surplus of $15.51 billion, up $11.55 billion from a year earlier. This marked the 13th consecutive month of trade surplus.
By item, exports increased for 5 out of the 15 key export categories. Semiconductor exports surged to $25.16 billion, up 160.8% from a year earlier, leading overall February exports. Strong excess demand driven by expanded investment in artificial intelligence (AI), along with a sharp rise in memory prices, pushed chip exports to a new all-time monthly high, and they have now exceeded $20 billion for three consecutive months.
In contrast, exports of automobiles ($4.81 billion, down 20.8%) and auto parts ($1.45 billion, down 22.4%) declined. Fewer working days during the Lunar New Year holidays reduced production volumes, which in turn weighed on exports.
By region, exports increased in 7 of the 9 major export markets, with Latin America and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as the exceptions. Exports to the United States ($12.85 billion, up 29.9%) hit a record high for February, as shipments of semiconductors and computers posted triple-digit growth rates, while biohealth products, petroleum products, and secondary batteries also recorded broad-based gains.
Exports to China ($12.75 billion, up 34.1%) also jumped sharply. Despite fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival holidays, exports of semiconductors, computers, and petroleum products all rose significantly. Exports to ASEAN climbed 30.4% to $12.47 billion.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan said, “External uncertainties surrounding our exports are growing due to rising tensions in the Middle East and U.S. tariff policies.” He added, “We will closely monitor export and import trends so that the impact of geopolitical risks stemming from the Middle East is kept to a minimum, and we will implement all necessary support measures without delay.”

leeyb@fnnews.com Lee Yu-beom Reporter