The Korean Development Institute (KDI) said Korea’s economy remains on a
recovery track as a chip boom offsets broader manufacturing weakness. Strong
AI-related demand drove exports, with June shipments rising to $102.25bn, up
70.9% YoY and a record high — the first month above $100bn. Semiconductor export
value nearly tripled to $44.82bn, and monthly semiconductor exports topped $40bn
for the first time; KDI noted semiconductor volume growth has slowed but price
rises have kept export values strong. Manufacturing output edged down as
semiconductor momentum cooled and other sectors stayed weak. KDI warned higher
oil prices and a weaker won could sustain upward price pressure, increasing the
risk of further rate hikes and weighing on consumer recovery.
