South Korea's information and communications technology (ICT) exports hit a new monthly record high thanks to surging demand for semiconductors, according to government data released.
Shipments of ICT products surged 160.4 percent year-on-year to reach a new record high of US$57.29 billion in June, surpassing US$50 billion for the first time, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
ICT exports have continued to rise for 17 consecutive months since February 2025.
Chip exports skyrocketed 199.4 percent to reach a record high of US$44.82 billion as global investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure led to increased demand and price increases for memory chips.
Display panel shipments surged 30.3 percent to US$1.68 billion, while mobile phone exports increased 62.5 percent to US$1.28 billion.
Shipments of computers and peripherals surged 284.7 percent to US$5.57 billion thanks to strong demand for solid-state drives (SSDs), while communications equipment exports grew 23.0 percent to US$240 million.
Imports of ICT products surged 46.4 percent to US$18.20 billion in June compared to the same period last year, bringing the trade surplus in the ICT industry to US$39.09 billion.
Imports of chips, display panels, mobile phones, computers, and communication equipment all recorded double-digit growth last month.
In the first six months of 2026, exports of ICT products increased 120.5 percent to US$253.86 billion compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, ICT imports rose 31.3 percent to US$93.21 billion in the first half of this year, bringing the trade surplus to US$160.65 billion.
