South Korea's exports in the first 20 days of June rose 49.7% YoY on a
working‑day adjusted basis, versus a 52.6% gain in May, Korea Customs data
showed Monday. Unadjusted exports were up 60.4% YoY, imports rose 23.2% and the
trade surplus reached $17.5 bln. Semiconductor exports led gains, up 188.4% YoY;
computer‑related shipments surged 293.3%; petroleum product exports also rose on
higher energy prices. Data showed external demand remains strong, driven by
rapid AI and data‑centre investment. Policymakers are assessing how sustained
semiconductor strength will affect growth, tax revenue and asset prices.
