Data Insights

In summary, South Korea's total trade in April 2026 showed a mixed performance with imports increasing by 1.71B USD (2.84%) to 62.1B USD, while exports decreased by 758.44M USD (-0.88%) to 85.83B USD. Year-on-year, imports rose significantly by 8.77B USD (16.44%), and exports surged by 27.65B USD (47.53%). Overall, the trade balance reflects a robust import growth, while exports faced some challenges despite a strong annual increase.

In April 2026, South Korea's imports saw a total trade value of 62.1B USD, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 1.71B USD, which is a 2.84% rise. The top three countries contributing to this increase were China (15.58B USD, +1.47B USD, +10.42%), the United States (8.34B USD, +1.12B USD, +15.46%), and Malaysia (2.09B USD, +377.71M USD, +22.09%). Conversely, the bottom three were Japan (4.49B USD, -600.83M USD, -11.80%), Qatar (27.49M USD, -453.12M USD, -94.28%), and the Netherlands (1.09B USD, -419.96M USD, -27.62%). For exports, the total value was 85.83B USD, showing a decrease of 758.44M USD, or -0.88%. The leading countries for exports were China (17.67B USD, +1.09B USD, +6.51%), Vietnam (7.94B USD, +828.77M USD, +11.65%), and France (778.13M USD, +460.68M USD, +145.12%). The lowest performers were Hong Kong (5.54B USD, -2.31B USD, -29.43%), Chinese Taipei (5.56B USD, -734.66M USD, -11.66%), and the Netherlands (1.05B USD, -410.04M USD, -28.00%).

Year-on-year, imports totaled 62.1B USD, marking an increase of 8.77B USD, or 16.44%. The top contributors were China (15.58B USD, +3.08B USD, +24.66%), the United States (8.34B USD, +2.2B USD, +35.72%), and Chinese Taipei (3.31B USD, +992.03M USD, +42.79%). The bottom three were Qatar (27.49M USD, -916.5M USD, -97.09%), Kuwait (15.29M USD, -586.88M USD, -97.49%), and Iraq (611.87M USD, -304.7M USD, -33.23%). Exports reached 85.83B USD, with a significant increase of 27.65B USD, or 47.53%. The leading countries were China (17.67B USD, +6.79B USD, +62.45%), the United States (16.32B USD, +5.7B USD, +53.65%), and Vietnam (7.94B USD, +3.1B USD, +64.03%). The lowest were the United Arab Emirates (227.52M USD, -266.95M USD, -53.99%), Poland (795.6M USD, -162.99M USD, -17.00%), and Malta (277.75M USD, -136.27M USD, -32.93%).

Overall, South Korea's total trade value for the month was 119.2 billion USD, with exports amounting to 67.28 billion USD (an increase of 1.5 billion USD or 2.28%) and imports totaling 51.92 billion USD (a decrease of 5.15 billion USD or -9.03%). Year-on-year, total exports reached 67.28 billion USD, reflecting a substantial increase of 15.14 billion USD (29.05%), while imports totaled 51.92 billion USD, marking a 3.65 billion USD (7.56%) increase. The trade balance indicates a positive trend in exports despite the decline in imports for the month.

In the month-on-month analysis, South Korea's imports from the Netherlands saw a significant increase of 411.2 million USD, representing a 37.95% rise. The United Kingdom and Algeria also showed strong growth, with increases of 169.4 million USD (68.32%) and 153.13 million USD (61.16%) respectively. On the other hand, imports from China decreased by 1.46 billion USD (-11.06%), while imports from the United States and Australia fell by 998.61 million USD (-14.78%) and 920.45 million USD (-27.34%) respectively. In exports, Malaysia led with a rise of 754.32 million USD (77.43%), followed by Singapore with 700.51 million USD (41.26%) and the United States with 694.33 million USD (5.78%). Conversely, exports to China dropped by 765 million USD (-5.67%), and Vietnam saw a decrease of 588.85 million USD (-9.12%).

In the year-on-year analysis, imports from China increased by 2.24 billion USD (23.66%), while imports from the Netherlands rose by 747.73 million USD (100.09%). Vietnam also saw a notable increase of 669.95 million USD (29.60%). On the downside, imports from Saudi Arabia fell by 549.85 million USD (-23.26%), and Japan's imports decreased by 214.81 million USD (-5.12%). In exports, China experienced a significant increase of 3.23 billion USD (34.04%), with Hong Kong and the United States following with increases of 3.11 billion USD (164.45%) and 2.81 billion USD (28.42%) respectively. However, exports to Bermuda saw a drastic decline of 208.13 million USD (-99.64%).

Overall, South Korea's trade values showed a robust increase in both exports and imports for the month and year. Month-on-month, total exports rose by 8.5 billion USD (13.94%) and imports by 6.07 billion USD (11.83%). Year-on-year, exports increased by 8.65 billion USD (14.22%) while imports rose by 2.51 billion USD (4.57%). The trade flow indicates a strong export performance, particularly in electronics and machinery, despite challenges posed by tariffs and political instability.

In the month-on-month analysis, South Korea's total exports increased significantly by 8.5 billion USD, reflecting a growth of approximately 13.94%. Imports also saw a notable rise, with a total increase of 6.07 billion USD, translating to a growth of about 11.83%. For imports by country, the highest increases were from China (1.77 billion USD, 14.78%), Japan (724.73 million USD, 18.37%), and the United States (666.37 million USD, 10.92%). Conversely, the largest declines were from Hong Kong (-277.31 million USD, -44.67%), Algeria (-150.32 million USD, -38.67%), and Norway (-109.85 million USD, -42.79%). In exports, the top increases were seen with the United States (1.98 billion USD, 19.14%), Chinese Taipei (1 billion USD, 24.27%), and China (884.88 million USD, 7.34%). The largest decreases were from France (-446.73 million USD, -61.32%), Kyrgyzstan (-224.17 million USD, -57.69%), and Egypt (-187.13 million USD, -59.94%). By HS4 category, imports of Integrated Circuits rose by 1.13 billion USD (22.20%), Petroleum Gas by 875.17 million USD (43.05%), and Machines for semiconductor manufacturing by 404.5 million USD (22.12%). The largest declines were in Gold (-663.66 million USD, -46.17%), Passenger and Cargo Ships (-245.16 million USD, -59.03%), and Zinc Ore (-129.71 million USD, -59.80%). Exports of Integrated Circuits increased by 2.77 billion USD (19.87%), Passenger and Cargo Ships by 1.26 billion USD (80.12%), and Refined Petroleum by 925.89 million USD (28.85%). The largest declines were in Cars (-457.04 million USD, -7.45%), Special Purpose Ships (-324.35 million USD, -99.98%), and Nuclear Reactors (-192.61 million USD, -99.93%).

In the year-on-year analysis, total exports increased by 8.65 billion USD, representing a growth of approximately 14.22%. Imports also saw a rise of 2.51 billion USD, translating to a growth of about 4.57%. For imports by country, the highest increases were from China (1.35 billion USD, 10.89%), the United States (1.3 billion USD, 23.80%), and Australia (679.46 million USD, 29.64%). The largest declines were from Saudi Arabia (-765.05 million USD, -28.53%), Qatar (-581.95 million USD, -48.83%), and the Netherlands (-487.02 million USD, -33.82%). In exports, the top increases were seen with Hong Kong (1.36 billion USD, 41.36%), Vietnam (1.33 billion USD, 27.05%), and China (1.16 billion USD, 9.86%). The largest declines were from Liberia (-351.69 million USD, -46.86%), France (-232.78 million USD, -45.23%), and Japan (-178.8 million USD, -6.78%). By HS4 category, imports of Gold increased by 636.26 million USD (462.84%), Telephones by 467.2 million USD (77.50%), and Integrated Circuits by 456.82 million USD (7.93%). The largest declines were in Refined Petroleum (-766.84 million USD, -35.86%), Passenger and Cargo Ships (-426.86 million USD, -71.50%), and Coal (-297.68 million USD, -21.77%). Exports of Integrated Circuits increased by 5.05 billion USD (43.30%), Office Machine Parts by 1.15 billion USD (47.50%), and Passenger and Cargo Ships by 801.03 million USD (39.42%). The largest declines were in Special Purpose Ships (-891.72 million USD, -99.99%), Cars (-248.2 million USD, -4.25%), and Machinery (-137.92 million USD, -22.00%).

In summary, South Korea's trade dynamics show a mixed performance in the latest period. Month-on-month, total exports increased by 1.52B while imports decreased by 2.22B, indicating a shift towards a more favorable trade balance. Year-on-year, total exports rose by 4.93B, reflecting strong demand in key markets, while imports saw a modest increase, suggesting stable supply chain conditions. The most significant changes were observed in trade with the United States and Hong Kong, both of which showed strong growth in exports.

In the month-on-month analysis, imports from China saw a significant increase of 604.26M, representing a 5.32% rise. The Netherlands also experienced a notable increase of 197.67M (30.06%). On the other hand, imports from Saudi Arabia decreased by 617.6M, a drop of 23.59%. In exports, the United States led with an increase of 1.64B (18.79%), followed by Hong Kong with 718.53M (23.60%). However, exports to Brazil saw a drastic decline of 2.45B, a decrease of 85.49%. Overall, total exports increased by 1.52B (2.56%), while imports decreased by 2.22B (-4.14%).

Year-on-year, imports from the United States increased by 676.76M (12.48%), and Australia saw a rise of 608.97M (25.49%). Conversely, imports from the United Arab Emirates fell by 699.3M (-48.73%). In exports, Hong Kong experienced a substantial increase of 1.32B (53.80%), while exports to Chinese Taipei rose by 870.89M (26.76%). However, exports to Liberia decreased by 421.03M (-55.80%). Overall, total exports increased by 4.93B (8.80%), while imports rose slightly by 579.92M (1.14%).