Korea’s Early Trade Data Show Robust Exports Despite Tariffs

South Korea’s early exports advanced in October, aided by resilient semiconductor demand even as US tariffs weighed on momentum and holidays created distortions.

The value of shipments adjusted for differences in the number of working days increased 9.7% from a year earlier in the first 20 days of October, according to data released Tuesday by the customs office. That compared with a revised 6.1% drop reported for the full month of September.