TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s exports to the US surpassed those of South Korea in the first 11 months of 2025, driven by strong semiconductor sales, according to The Korea Herald.

Citing data from the US Department of Commerce, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) said US imports from Taiwan reached NT$5.57 trillion (US$176.7 billion) during the period, per UDN. Taiwan accounted for 5.6% of total imports and ranked fourth among trading partners.

In contrast, US imports from South Korea were US$113.4 billion, down 5.9% year-on-year. South Korea fell to ninth place, with a 3.6% share, its lowest level since KITA began compiling the data in 1988.

Mexico remained the top source of US imports at US$492.5 billion, followed by Canada at US$351.2 billion and China at US$287.3 billion. Taiwan was followed by Vietnam, Germany, Japan, and Ireland.

South Korea had consistently ranked sixth or seventh between 2009 and 2024, per UDN. In 2024, just before US President Donald Trump took office, it ranked seventh with a 4% share.

South Korea’s decline was due to high US tariffs on key exports such as automobiles and steel, per CNA. Japan, which also relies heavily on auto exports, slipped from fifth to seventh place.

Trump said last month that if South Korea’s National Assembly fails to pass a bill promoting US-bound investment, tariffs on South Korean automobiles, pharmaceuticals and timber could rise from 15% to 25%.