In the first half of 2026, South Korea exported $496.3 billion in goods, while Taiwan exported $416.6 billion. Both economies surpassed Japan, which recorded $384.4 billion in exports. Integrated circuits currently represent approximately 30% of total exports for both regions.
AI-related hardware now accounts for roughly 80% of Taiwan’s total exports and over 40% of South Korea’s. This share has more than doubled over the past two years. In August 2025, Taiwan recorded monthly exports of $58.49 billion, briefly exceeding South Korean figures.
Taiwan’s real GDP grew by 8.63% in 2025, with per-capita GDP reaching approximately $39,477. This performance placed Taiwan ahead of South Korea in per-capita GDP for the first time in 22 years. Non-AI industries in both economies have faced contraction.
South Korea’s semiconductor exports to Taiwan reached $36.769 billion in 2025, tripling from 2022 levels. Taiwan is now the second-largest destination for South Korean chip shipments, accounting for a 19.9% share. Analysts suggest that AI-linked tech firms may see valuation shifts.
