Information and communications technology ICT) exports last month broke an all-time monthly high with USD 47.79 billion. Shown are containers at the Port of Pyeongtaek in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do Province. (Yonhap News)

By Koh Hyunjeong

Information and communications technology (ICT) exports last month posted their highest monthly performance in history thanks to surging demand for semiconductors and computer peripherals, fueled by growing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

Such shipments passed USD 40 billion (KRW 60.48 trillion) for the third consecutive month to set the all-time record, and also led to a record trade surplus.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources on June 15 said ICT exports last month surged 128.9% year on year to USD 47.79 billion. Imports in the sector increased 36% to USD 15.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 32.09 billion.

By item, exports of semiconductors shot up 169.2% to USD 37.16 billion. The strong performance was fueled by higher demand for memory chips as global companies expanded investment in AI servers and related infrastructure.

Overseas shipments of computers and peripheral devices skyrocketed 259.6% to USD 4.33 billion thanks to surging demand for solid state drives, or chip-based storage devices widely used in AI and data center applications. Those of mobile phones, displays and telecommunications equipment also grew to contribute to the overall growth of ICT exports.

By market, exports posted solid gains across major markets including China (USD 19.51 billion), the U.S. (USD 8.11 billion) and Vietnam (USD 6.77 billion). Those to Taiwan, the European Union, India and Japan also saw steady growth.

hjkoh@korea.kr