With strength in semiconductors continuing, exports last month posted a record high, according to figures compiled on the 15th.
According to the "March monthly import and export trends" that the Korea Customs Service released on the 15th, exports last month totaled $86.6 billion. That was up 49.2% from a year earlier. Exports rose for the 10th straight month, and last month's export value marked the highest monthly performance on record.
By item, exports of semiconductors (149.8%), petroleum products (69.2%), wireless communication devices (13.1%), and ships (11.4%) increased from a year earlier. In particular, semiconductor exports reached $33.0 billion, topping $30.0 billion for the first time.
By country, exports increased to Australia (195.8%), Taiwan (64.7%), China (64.9%), the United States (47.3%), Vietnam (41.4%), Japan (28.5%), and the European Union (19.3%). However, exports to the Middle East fell (-49.1%).
Imports last month totaled $60.4 billion, up 13.2% from a year earlier. Among major items, imports of petroleum products (1.2%) and passenger cars (0.7%) increased, while imports of ships (-47.5%), medical products (-6.2%), and crude oil (-5.3%) decreased. By country, imports from the United States (34%), China (24.1%), Vietnam (23.2%), the European Union (19.5%), Japan (11.2%), and Taiwan (7%) increased. In contrast, imports from the Middle East decreased (-25.8%).
The trade surplus last month, reflecting exports and imports, was $26.2 billion. It was the 14th straight monthly surplus since Jan. 2024.