Semiconductor market to remain solid ‘at least through next year,’ South Korea finance minister says

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   South Korea Finance Minister: Semiconductor Boom to Last Through Next Year

   South Korea's finance minister states that the ongoing semiconductor and artificial intelligence boom will remain solid at least through next year, supporting broader economic momentum. Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hyung-il points to this robust technology sector performance as a primary driver strengthening South Korea's growth outlook, even as broader discussions continue around long-term economic foundations and credit ratings. The official optimism underscores how heavily national economic growth relies on memory and chip manufacturing performance amidst evolving global market conditions.

   Why it matters

   The state's heavy reliance on the semiconductor industry highlights its vulnerability to cyclical shifts in global technology demand. Officials are navigating these dynamics while projecting favorable mid-term growth targets and engaging with credit rating agencies.

   What is confirmed

   • South Korean finance minister Lee Hyung-il stated that the semiconductor market will remain solid at least through next year.
   • The chip and AI boom is bolstering South Korea's economic growth momentum.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Economic growth could potentially reach the 3.4% to 3.6% range for 2026, according to reports citing Yonhap.
   • The semiconductor boom might possibly continue through 2027.

   What to watch next

   • Official credit rating agency evaluations following meetings with Deputy PM Lee Hyung-il
   • Upcoming economic growth forecast updates from South Korean financial authorities
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. CNBC — Semiconductor market to remain solid ‘at least through next year,’ South Korea finance minister says
   2. Moomoo — Will the Memory Market Face a 'Red Ocean' by 2029? South Korean Finance Minister States Semiconductor Boom to Last at Least Until Next Year
   3. Pluang — Semiconductor boom to continue through 2027 des...
   4. 매일경제 — The basic foundation of the Korean economy, which has been on the decline for a long time, is showin..
   5. Chosunbiz — Chip and AI boom bolsters Korea growth as Lee cuts bond issuance with surplus - CHOSUNBIZ
   6. BigGo Finance — Deputy PM Lee Hyung-il Touts 3% Growth, Mid-Term Strengthening in Meetings with Credit Rating Agencies
   7. 조선일보 — When the State Goes All-In on Semiconductors
   8. Yahoo Finance — Is SK Hynix (KOSE:A000660) Set For A Longer Chip Boom Through 2027?
   9. TradingView — South Korea finmin: 3.4%-3.6% economic growth possible for 2026, Yonhap says
   10. Yonhap News Agency — S. Korea's growth momentum to strengthen amid chip boom: finance minister
   11. 아시아경제 — Lee Hyungil: "Growth in the mid-3% range this year... will end the second-half economic strategy and increase forecasts from twice to three times a year"
   12. 아시아경제 — Lee Hyungil: "Semiconductor Boom to Last at Least Through Next Year"
   confidence 95%