South Korea Exports Hold Momentum as Chips Set Annual Record

South Korea’s exports maintained growth momentum, supported by strong semiconductor demand, easing concerns over global trade protectionism and tariff-related uncertainty that had weighed on the country for much of the year.

The value of shipments adjusted for working-day differences increased 8.7% in December from a year earlier, according to data released Thursday by the trade ministry. That compared with a 13.3% gain initially reported for the full month of November.