S. Korea's export volume keeps double-digit growth in September

SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export volume kept double-digit growth in September amid an explosive global demand for semiconductors and computer storage devices, central bank data showed Friday.

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2025 shows the Ulsan Bridge, a landmark in Ulsan, South Korea. (Photo: Xinhua)

The export volume index surged 32.1 percent in September from a year earlier, after soaring 25.9 percent in August, according to the Bank of Korea.

It marked the fastest pace in over 16 years since January 2010, maintaining an upward trajectory for 11 consecutive months since November 2025.

In terms of volume, exports for computers, electronic and optical devices skyrocketed 46.6 percent due to a massive demand for memory chips and solid state drives used for artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Backed by high chip prices, the export value index shot up 89.2 percent in September compared to the same month last year.

The import volume index gained 11.1 percent year-on-year in September, while the import value index spiked 26.9 percent.

The higher inbound shipment was led by semiconductors, computers and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The net terms-of-trade index for goods, or a ratio of export prices to import prices, soared 25.4 percent in September on a yearly basis due to a faster increase in export prices than import prices.