South Korea’s tax windfall gives Seoul new room to spend and borrow less

Chip profits rise as supply shocks squeeze South Korea’s broader economy
September 30, 2026

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South Korea’s tax windfall gives Seoul new room to spend and borrow less

South Korea expects national tax revenue to reach $353 billion (478.6 trillion won) in 2026, up $77.2 billion (104.7 trillion won) from 2025 and $46.6 billion (63.2 trillion won), or 15.2%, above the supplementary budget estimate, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF). The ministry attributed the increase to stronger-than-expected semiconductor profits, special dividends from chipmakers, buoyant equity markets and recovering private consumption.

Corporate tax revenue is now projected at $100.6 billion (136.4 trillion won), $25.8 billion (35 trillion won) above the supplementary budget forecast and 61.2% higher than in 2025, while income tax revenue is expected to

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