South Chungcheong Maintains Top Trade Surplus and Second-Highest Exports Nationwide... Semiconductors and Displays Lead Recovery

September Exports Hit $10.3 Billion, Highest in 3.5 Years
Strong Performance Amid Trade Uncertainties Through Emerging Market Diversification

Despite global trade uncertainties, South Chungcheong Province has maintained its position as the nation’s top region in trade surplus and second in exports, driven by the recovery of its key industries and aggressive export support policies.

In particular, export volume in September reached 10.3 billion dollars, the highest in three and a half years, with semiconductors and displays leading the increase.

According to the “September 2025 Export and Import Trends Report” released by the province on October 23, cumulative exports for September this year reached 68.8 billion dollars, with imports at 28.3 billion dollars, resulting in a trade surplus of 40.5 billion dollars.

September’s monthly exports totaled 10.3 billion dollars, marking the second-highest monthly figure ever after March 2022 (10.9 billion dollars). After a sluggish start to the year, exports began to rebound in September, signaling a full-fledged recovery for South Chungcheong’s exports.

By product category, semiconductor exports increased by 9.3% year-on-year, driving overall export growth, while display exports also rose by 7.1%, continuing the recovery trend.

By country, there was a notable surge in semiconductor and energy exports to the United States and Vietnam, while exports to emerging Southeast Asian markets (including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia) also saw significant growth, demonstrating the potential for market diversification.

The province plans to further strengthen strategies for exploring emerging markets and diversifying exports to reduce reliance on specific industries and regions, aiming to establish a stable foundation for growth despite global trade uncertainties.

A provincial official stated, “Companies in South Chungcheong are achieving results by enhancing the competitiveness of core industries and diversifying markets, even amid global crises,” adding, “We will continue to expand strategic export support going forward.”