Exports totaled $54.93 billion from July 1 to 20, while imports increased 20.0 percent from a year earlier to $42.72 billion, generating a trade surplus of $12.22 billion. Final monthly trade data will be released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources on Aug. 1.
The export figure was the highest ever recorded for the first 20 days of July, surpassing the previous record of $36.9 billion set in 2024.
Growth moderated from the first 20 days of June, when exports rose 60.2 percent to $61.92 billion. On a nominal basis, early July exports were 11.3 percent lower than during the comparable June period.
July had 14.5 working days, one fewer than a year earlier. Adjusted for the calendar effect, average daily exports climbed 62.9 percent to $3.79 billion, accelerating from June's 49.7 percent increase.
Semiconductor exports surged 180.6 percent from a year earlier to $22.11 billion. Chips accounted for 40.3 percent of total exports, slightly down from June's 41.2 percent share when semiconductor shipments reached $25.51 billion, but remained by far the country's largest export engine.
Computer peripheral exports more than tripled to $2.04 billion. Shipments of ships, wireless communication devices and petroleum products rose 70.8 percent, 65.9 percent and 33.4 percent, respectively.
Automobile exports fell 10.6 percent to $3.24 billion, while auto parts shipments declined 9.6 percent.
Exports to China nearly doubled to $13.36 billion. Shipments to the United States rose 39.6 percent to $8.96 billion, while those to Vietnam climbed 82.4 percent to $6.21 billion.
Exports to the European Union increased 30.3 percent, while shipments to Taiwan gained 41.8 percent. China, the United States and Vietnam together accounted for 51.9 percent of total exports.
Imports reflected continued strength in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor imports rose 54.9 percent to $6.50 billion, while imports of chipmaking equipment increased 56.9 percent to $2.15 billion.
Crude oil imports climbed 27.5 percent, while imports of natural gas and coal rose 27.9 percent and 25.7 percent, respectively. Combined energy imports increased 27.4 percent.
The trade surplus narrowed from $17.44 billion in the first 20 days of June as energy imports grew and exports eased from the previous month's exceptionally strong pace.
Cumulative exports from Jan. 1 through July 20 rose 48.7 percent from a year earlier to $551.28 billion, while imports increased 17.1 percent to $401.37 billion.
The cumulative trade surplus reached $149.91 billion.
The Korea Customs Service said the preliminary figures may be affected by changes in the number of working days and remain subject to revision when the final monthly data are released.
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