Driven by strong semiconductor demand, exports last month rose 28.7% to set a record high for the month. Shown are containers at Pyeongtaek Port in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do Province. (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui

Exports last month rose more than 28% to a record high for February thanks to strong demand for semiconductors.

The Korea Customs Service on March 16 released monthly data on exports and imports saying overseas shipments grew 28.7% from the same month last year to USD 67.3 billion.

Exports rose for the ninth consecutive month since June last year to break the all-time high for February.

By item, semiconductors saw such shipments skyrocket 157.9% to USD 25.26 billion, another record high, followed by vessels (45.5%) and wireless communication devices (23%). In contrast, exports of cars (22.9%), petroleum products (3.3%) and automotive components (24.4%) declined.

China took in the most Korean exports (34.1%), followed by the U.S. (28.5%), Vietnam (23.9%), the European Union (10.3%) and Taiwan (62.6%). Those to the Middle East dipped 1.2%.

Imports grew 7.5% to USD 51.9 billion year on year, ensuring a trade surplus for the 13th straight month at USD 15.4 billion.

kgh89@korea.kr