Due to the surge in AI chips, South Korea reports record shipments in January

South Korea’s January Exports Hit Record High on AI-Driven Chip Demand

South Korea recorded its highest-ever exports for the month of January, driven by surging global demand for semiconductors powering artificial intelligence infrastructure, government data showed on Sunday.

Exports rose 33.9% year-on-year to $65.8 billion, according to a statement from the trade ministry, marking the first time January shipments have crossed the $60 billion threshold.

Home to the world’s leading memory chipmakers, South Korea has emerged as a key supplier to the AI boom, with companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix benefiting from strong demand for high-performance chips. Both firms reported record quarterly operating profits in the October–December period.

Semiconductor exports jumped 102.7% from a year earlier to $20.5 billion, the ministry said, representing the second-highest monthly figure on record. The all-time high of $20.8 billion was set just a month earlier.

Autos add to momentum

Automobile exports also contributed to the growth, rising 21.7% on-year to $6 billion, supported by strong sales of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Tariff tensions with US

The export surge comes amid rising trade tensions with the United States.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on South Korean goods to 25% from 15%, accusing Seoul’s legislature of failing to ratify a previously agreed trade deal.

Under an October agreement, South Korea had pledged fresh investments in the United States in exchange for lower tariffs. However, Seoul’s presidential office has argued the deal is a memorandum of understanding and does not require parliamentary approval.

Trade and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan traveled to Washington to meet his US counterpart, Howard Lutnick, following the tariff announcement and returned to Seoul on Saturday.

“There was considerable disappointment (from the US) over the fact that the special bill remains pending in the National Assembly,” Kim told reporters, adding that negotiations would continue.

Despite the uncertainty, analysts say robust demand for chips and electric vehicles could help cushion South Korea’s export-driven economy against potential trade headwinds.