Barclays economist Bum Ki Son stated in a research report that South Korea's chip-led exports are expected to maintain strong growth momentum in the first half of 2026. He pointed out that a significant surge in semiconductor contract prices has driven the increase in South Korea's technology product exports, with average chip prices rising 30% to 40% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2026. Considering that capacity constraints and supply shortages may persist until the end of 2026, he anticipates that semiconductor contract prices will increase further in the second quarter. He added that, as a result, the growth momentum for South Korea's semiconductor exports is expected to continue throughout the first half of 2026.