Seoul, November 01 (QNA) - South Korea's exports surged 93.7% in October from a year earlier, reaching a record high of $115.3 billion in more than five decades as booming semiconductor shipments and artificial intelligence demand powered overseas sales.

Strong global demand for semiconductors, coupled with continued investments by major technology companies in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, boosted overall exports, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said in a statement on Sunday.

Imports rose 36% from a year earlier to $72.78 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $42.5 billion.

By sector, semiconductor exports, a key pillar of Asia's fourth-largest economy, skyrocketed 259% from a year earlier to $56.4 billion in October, the release said.

Automobile exports gained 18.1% to $6.55 billion, driven by increased overseas demand for gasoline hybrid models.

By destination, exports to China soared 133.6% to $26.98 billion, driven by strong shipments of semiconductors and wireless communications equipment. Exports to China topped $20 billion for the fifth consecutive month.

Shipments to the United States surged 185.8% to $24.9 billion, supported by robust demand for semiconductors, computers and electrical equipment used in AI infrastructure. (QNA)