Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on December 1 that Korea’s exports in November 2025 rose 8.4 percent year-on-year to USD 61.0 billion, the highest on record for November and marking the sixth consecutive month of growth, while imports increased 1.2 percent to $51.3 billion. The trade balance posted a surplus of $9.7 billion.

Cumulative exports for January–November reached $640.2 billion, setting a new record for the period for the first time in three years. On a daily average basis, exports came to $2.7 billion, up 13.3 percent year-on-year and the highest November level on record.

By item, six of Korea’s 15 major export categories posted growth. Semiconductor exports jumped 38.6 percent to $17.3 billion, an all-time monthly high, driven by strong data-center demand for high-value memory and rising memory prices. Automobile exports rose 13.7 percent to $6.4 billion on strong sales of hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Exports of wireless communication devices increased 1.6 percent to $1.7 billion, supported by higher shipments of mobile phone components. Secondary battery exports rose 2.2 percent to $670 million, driven by ESS demand. In contrast, petroleum products exports fell 10.3 percent to $3.3 billion due to reduced shipments, while petrochemical exports declined 14.1 percent to $3.1 billion amid continued downward price pressure from global oversupply.

By region, exports increased in five of Korea’s nine major markets. Exports to the United States were broadly flat, edging down 0.2 percent to $10.4 billion, as robust semiconductor and automobile shipments were offset by weaker exports of steel, general machinery, and auto parts amid tariff-related pressures. Exports to China rose 6.9 percent to $12.1 billion, supported by semiconductors, petroleum products, and general machinery, and remained above $11.0 billion for the third straight month. Exports to ASEAN increased 6.3 percent to $10.4 billion on semiconductor demand, while exports to the Middle East, CIS countries, and India also posted solid gains. Exports to the EU, Japan, and Latin America, however, declined across the board.

MOTIR Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim stated, “Korea’s exports continued their upward trajectory for the sixth consecutive month in November, a meaningful achievement that reflects the ability of Korean companies to turn challenges into opportunities, especially at a time when expanding global protectionism, including U.S. tariffs, is weighing on export conditions.” He added, “With the November 26 introduction of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management, tariff-reduction requirements for automobile and parts makers have now been met, easing uncertainty over shipments to the U.S. market. The government will strengthen policy support to ensure Korea’s exports maintain their growth momentum into December and continue to play a central role in driving economic recovery and growth.”