By the third quarter of this year, semiconductor exports hit an all-time high. They are expected to easily achieve a full-year record as well. Analysts say exports are strong on the back of the global artificial intelligence (AI) development boom.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 22nd, semiconductor exports from January to September this year totaled $119.7 billion, up $17.3 billion (+16.9%) from last year, when the full-year record high was set.
The gap with last year's semiconductor export performance ($141.9 billion) is about $22.2 billion. Given that average monthly semiconductor exports this year amount to $13.3 billion, some expect the previous record will be surpassed in November.
Vice Minister Mun Sinhak of the industry ministry said at the 18th Semiconductor Day ceremony held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 22nd, "This year's semiconductor exports are projected to exceed $165.0 billion, achieving a record high for the second consecutive year."
The Vice Minister emphasized, "In the AI era, the K-semiconductor industry must maintain its overwhelming No. 1 position in memory semiconductors, where we have strengths," adding, "For system semiconductors and fabless and materials, parts, and equipment—which account for 70% of the global semiconductor market—we will steadfastly promote advanced industry development so we can narrow the competitiveness gap with leading global countries."
At the ceremony, orders and commendations were presented to individuals who contributed to strengthening Korea's semiconductor industry competitiveness.
Chief Executive Officer Kwak Noh-jung of SK hynix received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower, in recognition of contributions to the development of the ICT industry through high value-added memory development. Vice President Heo Seonghoe of Samsung Electronics received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Silver Tower, in recognition of contributions to expanding new memory markets, including the industry's first development of 9th-generation V-NAND flash products. Park Young-su, CEO of Soulbrain, who achieved localization of semiconductor process materials, received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower.
Semiconductor Day was established to commemorate Oct. 29, 1994, when $10.0 billion in exports was achieved. The first ceremony was held in 2008, and this year marks the 18th.