Exports of information and communications technology in November set a record for the month of USD 25.45 billion. Shown is an aerial view of Busan North Port. (Busan Port Authority)

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

Information and communications technology (ICT) exports last month set a record high for November.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources on Dec. 15 announced in a report on ICT exports and imports that outbound shipments last month reached USD 25.45 billion (KRW 37 trillion), up 24.3% from USD 20.48 billion in the same month last year.

By item, exports of semiconductors jumped 38.6% while those of smartphones rose 3.5%, computers and peripheral devices 1.9%, and communication equipment 3.3%. Those of displays decreased 3.7%.

Outbound shipments of chips hit their highest level in history thanks to the continued growth of fixed prices of memory semiconductors and stronger sales of high value-added products.

By region, Taiwan was the top market for growth with 32.2%, followed by China with 25.3%, the European Union 18.1%, Vietnam with 11.6% and U.S. 7.9%. Exports to Japan also rose 18% thanks to stronger demand for chips, computers and peripheral devices.

ICT imports last month, meanwhile, reached USD 12.77 billion, up 2.7% from USD 12.44 billion year on year, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 12.69 billion.

aisylu@korea.kr