S. Korea’s Exports Gain Steam Despite US Tariffs, Holiday Effect

South Korea’s exports rebounded in October as resilient demand for semiconductors outweighed the drag from US tariffs and holiday-related calendar distortions, offering relief for policymakers navigating global trade headwinds.

Exports adjusted for working-day differences rose 14% in October from a year earlier after slipping 6.1% in the previous month. Headline exports climbed 3.6%, following a revised 12.6% gain in September. Imports fell 1.5%, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.1 billion.