Information and communications technology exports in September shattered the monthly record with USD 75.15 billion. Shown are containers piled high at Sinseondae Terminal of Busan North Port in Busan's Nam-gu District. (Busan Port Authority)

By Margareth Theresia

Information and communications technology (ICT) exports in September shattered the all-time monthly record with USD 75.15 billion.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT on Oct. 14 released a report on the sector's trade saying exports ballooned 195.8% from USD 25.4 billion in the same month last year. Imports reached USD 21.43 billion, leading to a record trade surplus of USD 53.71 billion.

Growing global investment in artificial intelligence propelled ICT exports past USD 70 billion for the first time, easily shattering the previous record of USD 59.98 billion set in August. The trade surplus also broke USD 50 billion for the first time.

ICT accounted for 62.1% of the country's exports worth USD 120.94 billion. The share remained above 60% for the second straight month, making the sector a key driver of export growth.

By item, semiconductors led all others in growth with an incredible 262.8% to USD 60.33 billion, comprising 80.3% of all ICT exports.

Those of computers and peripheral devices soared 393% while mobile phones rose 28.2%. Decliners included displays (11.5%) and telecommunications equipment (2.3%).

Exports to major markets enjoyed sensational growth including the U.S. (420.1%), China including Hong Kong (228.9%), India (104.3%), Vietnam (66.8%), Japan (119.6%), Taiwan (110.9%) and the European Union (128.5%).

margareth@korea.kr