Report published September 1, 2026
South Korea Tech August 2026 Export Tracker: Strong Memory Export Growth Continues
Source and citation context
- Issuer
- Goldman Sachs
- Report date
- September 1, 2026
- Analysis as of
- August 31, 2026
Authors / editors: Giuni Lee (Analyst), Taeyong Lee (Analyst), Daiki Takayama (Analyst)
Finvaulta summarizes Goldman Sachs's analysis. Attribute opinions, forecasts, time-sensitive values, and chronology to the issuer and report date; do not treat this page as an independent verification or a current market-data source.
South Korea's August 2026 tech export data showed robust overall performance led by memory exports (+290% YoY), with DRAM hitting a record growth rate of +412% YoY and WFE imports rising 153% YoY. Display exports declined 5% YoY on OLED weakness, while MLCC (+15% YoY) and Li-ion batteries (+5% YoY) maintained growth.
Key Takeaways
- 1.South Korean memory exports surged 290% YoY in August 2026, marking 7 consecutive months of 200%+ YoY growth, led by record DRAM export value growth of 412% YoY.
- 2.HBM input tracking points to a strong recovery in Samsung Electronics' (SEC) competitiveness, with plastic film imports from Japan jumping 134% YoY in July, while SK Hynix epoxide resin imports fell 18% YoY.
- 3.Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE) imports climbed 153% YoY in August, indicating expanding capital expenditure by memory suppliers to upgrade technology and increase capacity.
Table of Contents
- Memory: 7 consecutive months of 200%+ yoy growth; DRAM exports +412% yoy; NAND chip exports continue strong trend with 10 consecutive months of triple-digit growth (+343% yoy)
- HBM: July Hynix epoxide resins import -18% yoy; SEC plastic film import +134% yoy
- Display: weak yoy results for OLED while LCD continues positive yoy trend
- MLCC: Continues 4 consecutive months of double-digit yoy growth
- Li-ion batteries: continues positive yoy growth
- WFE: Strong yoy growth trend continues for exports and imports in August
- Exhibit 1: Import trends of epoxide resins have been showing strong correlation with Hynix HBM shipments
- Exhibit 2: Import trend of plastic film has been showing strong correlation with SEC HBM shipment
- Exhibit 3: Monthly exports/imports trends of South Korea Tech companies' major products
- Price Target Risks and Methodology - Samsung Electronics
- Price Target Risks and Methodology - SK Hynix Inc.
- Price Target Risks and Methodology - Samsung Electro-Mechanics
- Price Target Risks and Methodology - LG Display
- Disclosure Appendix
Report data
Exhibit 3: Monthly exports/imports trends of South Korea Tech companies' major products — as of August 31, 2026.
| Metric | Estimate | Context |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea Total Semiconductor Exports | 44652 USD mn | Total semiconductor export value for August 2026. |
| South Korea Total Memory Exports | 40943 USD mn | Total memory export value, marking 7 consecutive months of 200%+ YoY growth. |
| South Korea DRAM Exports | 23569 USD mn | DRAM export value reaching an all-time high growth rate since tracking began in January 2008. |
| South Korea Flash Memory Exports | 2862 USD mn | NAND chip exports continuing 10 consecutive months of triple-digit growth. |
| South Korea SSD Exports | 5981 USD mn | SSD export value categorized under computer based on MTI standard. |
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Authors / Editors
Reported Data Context
- South Korea Total Semiconductor Exports: 44652 USD mn (August 2026) · Source: MOTIE, TRASS
- South Korea Total Memory Exports: 40943 USD mn (August 2026) · Source: MOTIE, TRASS
- South Korea DRAM Exports: 23569 USD mn (August 2026) · Source: MOTIE, TRASS
- South Korea Flash Memory Exports: 2862 USD mn (August 2026) · Source: MOTIE, TRASS
- South Korea SSD Exports: 5981 USD mn (August 2026) · Source: MOTIE, TRASS
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