9.4 Billion Dollars, "Largest January Figure in the Past 5 Years"...Robust Semiconductor Exports Drive Growth
In January this year, exports from South Chungcheong Province surged by more than 60% year-on-year, marking the highest January performance in the past five years. The recovery of the IT sector led by semiconductors drove the increase in exports, while the province maintained its position as number one in the nation in terms of trade balance.
On the 26th, South Chungcheong Province cited the Korea International Trade Association's "January 2026 Regional Governments' Export-Import and Trade Balance Statistics" and announced that the province's export value for January was compiled at 9.406 billion dollars. This represents a 63.8% increase compared to the same month last year (5.741 billion dollars).
In terms of export volume, South Chungcheong Province ranked second among the nation's 17 metropolitan and provincial governments, following Gyeonggi Province. Its trade balance recorded a surplus of 6 billion dollars, keeping it in first place nationwide.
The increase in exports was driven by semiconductors. Due to the global recovery of the IT industry and the expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, exports of memory semiconductors jumped 142.1% year-on-year. Semiconductor-related items such as computers (87.1%) and flat panel displays and sensors (34.8%) also posted double-digit growth rates.
By country, exports to Taiwan increased the most, by 219.6%, followed by Hong Kong (133.0%) and Vietnam (51.7%).
By continent, Asia recorded the largest export value at 7.297 billion dollars, followed by North America (1.293 billion dollars), Europe (390 million dollars), and Central and South America (270 million dollars).
An official from the province said, "Although uncertainty in the trade environment continues, exports in the first month of the new year posted a high growth rate, marking a smooth start," adding, "We will strengthen administrative support so that companies in the province can maintain their export momentum."
South Chungcheong Province plans to strengthen its export base by expanding customized support programs such as export consultation meetings inviting overseas buyers, operating overseas market development missions, supporting participation in overseas exhibitions, and providing step-by-step consulting for exporters.
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