Economies.

South Korea October Exports Climb 93.7%, Driven by AI Demand
Overseas sales reached US$115.28 billion, with semiconductor and computer shipments surging due to global artificial intelligence investment.

South Korea October Exports Surge 76.1% on AI Chips
The nation recorded a US$42.5 billion trade surplus, intensifying pressure on the Bank of Korea ahead of its November interest rate decision.

South Korea's Q3 GDP Expands 1% on Chip Exports, Beats BOK Forecast
The Bank of Korea reported stronger-than-expected growth, with facilities investment and intellectual property also rising, making a $40,000 per capita GNI likely.

South Korea Q3 GDP Outpaces Forecasts on AI Chip Export Surge
The Bank of Korea reported 1.0 per cent quarter-on-quarter economic growth in the third quarter, exceeding expectations, though private consumption declined for the first time in nearly four years.

Japan's Economy Resilient to Rate Hikes, Oxford Economics Finds
Most Japanese firms and households possess strong balance sheets, allowing them to manage rising interest costs, though some small businesses and younger debtors face challenges.

Japanese Firms Pay Compensation Following Cyberattack Disruptions
GMO Internet and Park24 are offering payouts to customers after recent cyberattacks exposed vulnerabilities and impacted services across Japan.

KB Financial: South Koreans average 6.3 hours sleep, fatigue
Nearly half of surveyed South Koreans report persistent exhaustion, while average nightly sleep declined to 6.3 hours from 6.5 hours in 2024, according to a new report.

Japan PM Takaichi Rejects Yen Weakness Blame, Pledges Fiscal Control
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied responsibility for Japan's weak yen and high interest rates, stating her administration will manage government bond issuance in the upcoming fiscal year to bolster currency confidence.

Japan PM Takaichi Rejects Blame for Weak Yen, High Rates
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has denied her administration's fiscal plans are causing market unease, as Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warned of potential rises in long-term bond yields.

South Korea, World Bank Launch AI Hub in Seoul for Digital Equity
Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il announced the plan at the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, stressing technology access for developing nations.

Seoul Finance Ministry: Exports Propel Economic Recovery
South Korea's merchandise exports reached a record $120.9 billion last month, driven by strong semiconductor shipments, the Finance Ministry stated.

Japan's Finance Minister: Government clarifies Takaichi's policy stance
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated the government began adjusting its messaging in late August to address market concerns about reflationary policies.

South Korea seeks Mexico tax relief for 562 firms
National Tax Service Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun highlighted value-added tax refund delays and double taxation in talks with Mexican tax chief Antonio Martinez Dagnino this week.

ADB lifts South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 3.2%
The Manila-based development bank cited strong exports and corporate earnings, largely driven by the artificial intelligence boom, for its upward revision.

South Korea's Early September Exports Jump 78% on Chip Sales
Outbound shipments hit a record $71.4 billion in the first 20 days of September, driven by a 259% surge in semiconductor sales, according to Korea Customs Service data.