OECD raises South Korea's 2026 growth forecast to 2.6% on semiconductor demand

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development upgraded South Korea's economic growth forecast for 2026 to 2.6 percent, a significant increase from its previous 1.7 percent projection. The revision reflects strengthened semiconductor demand globally, with the OECD noting potential for further upward revisions if demand continues. The upgrade signals confidence in Korea's tech sector recovery after recent slowdowns and suggests the country's chipmakers remain central to global semiconductor supply chains. South Korea's economy is the world's 10th largest and a critical node in US tech supply chains, making demand visibility for Korean semiconductors relevant to US manufacturing and consumer electronics pricing.