Despite uncertainty in the global trade environment, exports of information and communications technology in September broke a record high with USD 25.4 billion. Shown is an aerial view of Busan New Port in Busan's Gangseo-gu District. (Busan Port Authority)

By Kim Seon Ah

Despite uncertainty surrounding the global trade environment, information and communications technology (ICT) exports last month broke a record high for September and the second-highest trade surplus in history.

The Ministry of Science and ICT on Oct. 14 released data saying such shipments last month rose 14% year on year to USD 25.43 billion.

Semiconductors saw exports surge 21.9% to another all-time high of USD 16.62 billion, while those of displays also showed signs of recovery by rising 1.3% to USD 1.92 billion.

Outbound shipments of mobile phone components shrank 23.6% to USD 1.07 billion, but those of finished products soared 55.8% to USD 420 million to ease the decline. Exports of computers and peripheral devices decreased 10.1% to USD 1.47 billion.

By region, exports to Taiwan jumped 53.5% to USD 4.29 billion, with chips seeing a notable increase.

ICT imports rose 10.4% to USD 13.78 billion, resulting in a trade surplus in the sector of USD 11.65 billion.

sofiakim218@korea.kr