November 1 – Driven by the continued AI boom, South Korea's exports maintained strong growth in October, further reinforcing the export momentum of its trade-dependent economy. Data released by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed that after adjusting for working-day differences, October exports rose 76.1% year-on-year to $115.3 billion, below the record $121.1 billion set in September; unadjusted exports rose 93.7% year-on-year, imports increased 36%, and a trade surplus of $42.5 billion was recorded. South Korea's September export growth was revised to 83.7% year-on-year. Sustained strong exports reinforced market expectations that the Bank of Korea will raise interest rates this month. Semiconductors remained the main driver of export growth: October chip exports surged 259% year-on-year to $56.4 billion, computer exports rose 497%, and petroleum product and automobile exports increased 80% and 18%, respectively.