South Korea’s imports surged 36.0% year-over-year in October 2026, a sharp acceleration from the 26.0% annual increase recorded in September 2026, according to data updated on 1 November 2026. The figures highlight a robust rebound in inbound trade flows, with growth in October outpacing the previous month’s already-strong performance.
Both the current and previous readings compare monthly import levels to the same month a year earlier, underscoring a sustained year-over-year expansion in South Korea’s external demand. The step-up from 26.0% in September to 36.0% in October suggests intensifying import momentum heading into the final quarter of 2026, a development that will draw close attention from investors tracking global trade conditions and the health of Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
