South Korea, Taiwan top Japan in exports for first time on AI boom - Nikkei Asia

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SemiconductorsSouth Korea, Taiwan top Japan in exports for first time on AI boom<br>Both economies benefit more from surging demand for semiconductors in 2026 first half

South Korea's SK Hynix is among the few companies that produce advanced semiconductors. (SK Hynix)<br>Nikkei staff writers<br>August 7, 2026 18:01 JST

TOKYO -- South Korea and Taiwan each surpassed Japan in total exports for the first time during the first half of 2026, according to a Nikkei analysis.

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