South Korea’s SK Group is expected to achieve a record-breaking export total of approximately $90 billion in 2025, driven by strong semiconductor sales from its SK Hynix unit.
According to the company, SK Group’s exports through the third quarter reached around $66 billion, up nearly 20% from $55 billion during the same period last year. If this growth trend continues into the fourth quarter, SK Group anticipates total exports for the year will surpass last year’s $77 billion, marking a second consecutive year above the $75 billion threshold.
SK Hynix’s high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other high-value memory chip exports have been the primary drivers of the performance surge. Last year, SK Hynix accounted for 54% of the group’s total exports ($41 billion), and this year it contributed 65% ($43 billion) through the third quarter.
High-value memory chip exports, including HBM, have also played a critical role in South Korea’s overall economic growth. The country’s total exports through the third quarter reached $185 billion, the highest level since comparable statistics were first recorded in 2010, with high-value memory chips contributing $46.6 billion.
SK Hynix has paid approximately $3.2 billion in corporate taxes through the third quarter, a 45-fold increase from $70 million during the same period last year. The company’s market capitalization reached about $285 billion as of November 24, making it the second-largest domestic firm by market value.
Beyond semiconductor exports, SK Group continues to strengthen its competitive position by investing in future growth sectors, phasing out underperforming businesses, and turning around loss-making units.
An SK Group spokesperson said, “We are focusing our investments and hiring efforts on AI, semiconductors, energy, and biotechnology to drive national economic growth. By 2028, we aim to invest $96 billion domestically and create over 8,000 jobs annually.”
