Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

　　South Korea"s semiconductor exports have shown continued strong growth in the early weeks of 2026, lifting overall exports. Exports of semiconductors, the country"s top export item, surged 70.2 percent year-on-year, accounting for 29.5 percent of total exports in the first 20 days of this month, the Securities Times reported on Thursday, citing official data.

　　Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty, South Korea"s semiconductor industry sustained its expansion in 2025, driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI). This sustained momentum underscores the vital role played by high‑tech industries in South Korea"s export‑oriented economy.

　　Yet, South Korea"s semiconductor exports also face multiple challenges. Tariff pressure, technological export controls and other measures by some countries still pose potential risks to the sector. Global trade seems likely to continue experiencing significant turbulence in 2026.

　　Just last week, the US imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of certain AI chips under a new national security order, according to Reuters. While South Korea"s trade minister reportedly suggested that the US move may only have a limited impact on South Korean companies, uncertainty is on the rise within the semiconductor sector globally, especially considering that the US appears to intensify pressure over semiconductor tariffs.

　　For instance, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed on January 16 that South Korean memory chipmakers that aren"t investing in the US may face up to 100 percent tariffs unless they commit to increased production on American soil, Bloomberg reported. Such a policy signal undoubtedly adds uncertainty to South Korea"s highly export-oriented semiconductor industry.