▪ In 2026, our exports reached a record high, emerging as a key driver of economic growth.
▪ The primary driver of this performance has been the surge in semiconductor demand resulting from the expansion of global AI investment.
▪ Under this background, this report examines how robust exports driven by AI investment have contributed to economic growth.
▪ In 2026, capital expenditures (capex) by big tech expanded significantly, leading global AI industry investments.
▪ As competition among big tech for AI leadership intensifies, the global AI investment trend is expected to continue in the near term.
▪ The expansion of global AI investment has significantly increased demand for memory semiconductors, directly boosting Korea’s export demand.
▪ Korea’s exports have expanded significantly, driven by high-value-added core AI components, including semiconductors and SSDs.
▪ The supply structure shifted toward build-to-order long-term contracts, strengthening the structural sustainability of the current export boom.
▪ Recently, major forecasting institutions have upwardly adjusted their growth projections for 2026.
▪ Analysis of the growth contribution effect of robust exports suggests that they could substantially improve both real and nominal GDP this year.
▪ However, external uncertainties remain, such as oil price shocks arising from conflicts in the Middle East and heightened geopolitical risks associated with US tariff policies. Domestically, addressing balanced growth amid widening disparities across economic agents and industries has emerged as an important policy challenge.