IMF raises S. Korea's growth forecast to 3.3 pct amid chip supercycle

What happened: The IMF raised South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 3.3 percent, citing strong semiconductor exports that offset Middle East war fallout. Key numbers: 2026 forecast 3.3 percent, up 0.7 point from July. 2027 forecast 2.8 percent. Global growth 3.1 percent. Advanced economies 2.1 percent. September exports rose 83.5 percent to a record US$120.9 billion. Why it matters: The revision exceeded the 0.4 point increase for advanced economies, and the finance ministry said it reflects robust AI hardware and chip exports, while noting Middle East war and consumer prices as risks. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

The IMF raised South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 3.3 percent, citing strong semiconductor exports that offset Middle East war fallout.

The revision exceeded the 0.4 point increase for advanced economies, and the finance ministry said it reflects robust AI hardware and chip exports, while noting Middle East war and consumer prices as risks.