[SMM Tin Flash News: Nomura: The Upcycle in the Chip Industry Has Yet to Peak, South Korea’s Trade Surplus Is Expected to Double]

Published: Apr 2, 2026 10:00

Save

Nomura Securities economist Jeong Woo Park said that, driven by strong semiconductor exports, South Korea’s trade surplus this year could widen from $77 billion in 2025 to around $200 billion. After South Korea’s export growth in March surged to 48% from 29% in February, affected by robust chip demand, Park wrote in a report: “There is no sign whatsoever that the chip upcycle is peaking, and strong pricing effects and artificial intelligence demand will continue to support double-digit growth.” He also downplayed concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could disrupt supplies of helium and other critical inputs needed for chip manufacturing. He noted that chip companies held three to six months of inventory of key inputs, and that the conflict was unlikely to disrupt exports.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.hoursAgo

Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Apr 02)

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 02 Apr , 2026

Common.Time.hoursAgo

Lack of Clear Guidance on the Geopolitical Situation, Repeated Swings in Macro Sentiment Put Futures Under Pressure Again [SMM Tin Midday Commentary]

[SMM Tin Midday Commentary: The Geopolitical Situation Lacks Clear Guidance, and Repeated Swings in Macro Sentiment Put Futures Under Pressure Again]

Common.Time.hoursAgo

Xidian University Team Unveils Low-Cost SPAD Chip for Short-Wave Infrared Detection

It was learned from Xidian University that the team led by Professor Hu Huiyong at the university successfully developed a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) chip based on silicon-germanium technology, significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of short-wave infrared detection technology. This breakthrough is expected to enable high-end chips that originally cost thousands of dollars per unit to enter fields such as smartphones and automotive LiDAR at just one percent of the cost.

Common.Time.hoursAgo