(AP/Yonhap)

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The export gap between Taiwan and South Korea has widened to a record monthly high in October as Taiwan rides the boom in artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, shipping its chips across the globe.

According to data from the National Statistics of Taiwan and the Korea Customs Service on Tuesday, Taiwan’s exports reached $61.8 billion in October, outpacing Korea’s $59.6 billion by about $2.2 billion.

Taiwan surpassed Korea for the first time in August 2025 in monthly export volume and widened the gap further in October.

The shift marks a dramatic reversal from last year, when Korea exported $684 billion, far ahead of Taiwan’s $474 billion. Korea typically shipped between $50 and $60 billion a month, while Taiwan averaged around $40 billion.

This year, however, Taiwan’s exports have surged on the strength of its foundry-driven semiconductor industry.

Taiwan’s cumulative exports from January to October reached $514.4 billion, up 31.8 percent from a year earlier. October shipments jumped 49.7 percent year-on-year, the first time Taiwan exceeded $60 billion in a single month.

According to Taiwan’s statistics for the second and third quarters, the United States accounted for 30 percent of Taiwan’s exports, China 22 percent, Malaysia 9 percent, and Singapore 6 percent.

As the U.S. expanded its data center and AI infrastructure, it purchased large amounts of Taiwan’s high-performance semiconductors.

“The recent AI boom has expanded Taiwan’s export diversification as U.S.-bound semiconductor shipments grow” said Heo Jai-chul, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy.

Korea’s exports, in the meantime, reached $579.1 billion between January and October, up only 2.3 percent on year – an underwhelming performance compared to Taiwan’s 31.8 percent surge.

Although Korea’s semiconductor exports have also risen 20 to 30 percent on year thanks to the AI boom, recent double-digit declines in petrochemicals, steel, and wireless communication devices have dragged down overall export growth.

The difference becomes even more striking when considering exchange rates.

Korea has also seen the won weaken over the past year, which helped boost price competitiveness and exports. Taiwan, however, significantly increased exports despite a strengthening Taiwan dollar.

At the current pace, Taiwan’s total exports this year are expected to reach the mid-$600 billion range, nearly catching up Korea’s roughly $700 billion.

The Korea Development Institute (KDI) recently forecast that Korea’s exports will record negative growth next year.

Taiwan’s economic growth this year and next year is expected to exceed earlier projections of 4.55 percent and 2.68 percent. Citing Taiwanese government officials, Reuters recently reported that Taiwan’s economy could grow in the 5 percent range this year and 3 percent next year.

Korea is expected to record low growth of 0.9-1 percent this year and 1.8 percent next year.

Taiwan’s per capita GDP is projected to rise to $37,827 this year, surpassing Korea’s $35,962 for the first time in 22 years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Taiwan to maintain its trajectory by reaching $50,252 by 2030. Korea’s per-capita GDP in 2030 is projected to be $44,262.