South Korea's export momentum accelerates despite global headwinds.

South Korea's export momentum accelerates despite global headwinds. Early March data shows adjusted exports surged 40.4% year-over-year, up from February's 28.7%, driven primarily by semiconductor shipments which jumped nearly 164% on robust artificial intelligence and data center demand. Autos rose 11% while oil products climbed 49%, generating a $12.1 billion trade surplus. However, mounting risks loom as Iran tensions spike crude oil prices, raising raw material costs and threatening supply chains. South Korea's heavy reliance on energy imports makes it particularly vulnerable. The Bank of Korea may respond with more aggressive rate hikes, with economists projecting 25 basis-point increases in July and October as inflation pressures mount alongside geopolitical uncertainty and shipping disruptions.