According to CoinMeta, data released by the South Korean customs on Thursday showed that in the first nine months of 2026, South Korea's exports reached $814.5 billion, breaking through the $800 billion mark for the first time and setting a new historical high. In September, exports increased by 104.9% year-on-year. Global demand for artificial intelligence has driven semiconductor exports, and markets expect that despite rising interest rates, South Korea, an economy that is highly dependent on trade, will still maintain its resilience. It is estimated that this year's national tax revenue will reach a record 478.6 trillion won (about $353 billion), an increase of 28% compared to 2025. Strong exports continue to improve the external balance of payments, which may further support the appreciation of the won and curb imported inflation, giving policymakers more flexibility.