Fueled by expanded artificial intelligence (AI) investment and a boom in memory chips, Korea's information and communications technology (ICT) exports topped $40 billion in a month for the first time, setting a record high.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 14th, ICT exports in March were $43.51 billion, up 112.0% from a year earlier. It was the 14th straight month of growth. Of the country's total exports of $86.13 billion, ICT accounted for 50.5%, surpassing half of all exports. This was the second-highest level after 50.7% in September 2000. The trade balance posted a surplus of $27.36 billion, setting a new record high for the second consecutive month.
By item, semiconductors surged 151.4% to $32.84 billion, driving overall results. Rising DRAM and NAND demand from expanded global AI server investment and increased end-of-quarter shipments combined to push the monthly total above $30 billion for the first time.
Computer and peripheral exports also rose 174.1% to $3.59 billion on the back of stronger server SSD demand and higher prices. Mobile phones came to $1.54 billion, up 57.0%, due to brisk sales of high-spec new models and expanded demand for high-value components such as camera modules.
In contrast, displays and telecom equipment fell 9.3% and 5.8%, respectively. By region, exports to the United States were $8.0 billion, up 189.0%, and China was $17.66 billion, up 141.0%, showing that demand centered on AI Semiconductor has spread across major markets.