Introduction to South Korea’s Semiconductor Industry
South Korea, a global technology powerhouse, is home to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, two leading manufacturers of semiconductors worldwide. These companies produce essential components for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry and related infrastructure.
Global Semiconductor Demand Drives Record-Breaking Exports
In 2025, the surging global demand for semiconductors propelled South Korea’s exports to an all-time high, despite trade turbulence caused by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to official figures released on Thursday.
Total Export Figures
South Korea’s total exports reached over 700 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, a 3.8% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
Semiconductor Industry Performance
The semiconductor industry, driven by global interest in AI, saw record-breaking exports of 173.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, according to the Ministry.
The strong demand for memory chips used in AI data centers further fueled this growth.
Key Players in South Korea’s Semiconductor Market
Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are South Korea’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, providing critical components for the AI industry and its supporting infrastructure.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on South Korean Exports
Initially, South Korea faced 25% U.S. tariffs, but successfully negotiated a reduction to 15%, mitigating the impact on its export growth.
Key Questions and Answers
- What drove South Korea’s record-breaking exports in 2025? The surging global demand for semiconductors, particularly those used in AI data centers, fueled South Korea’s export growth.
- Who are the major semiconductor manufacturers in South Korea? Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are the leading semiconductor manufacturers in South Korea, providing essential components for AI and related infrastructure.
- How did U.S. tariffs affect South Korean exports? Despite initial 25% U.S. tariffs, South Korea successfully negotiated a reduction to 15%, minimizing the impact on its export growth.
