Seoul, September 14 (QNA) - South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products hit a record high in August, driven by sustained global investments in artificial intelligence (AI), government data showed Monday.
Outbound shipments of ICT products reached $59.98 billion last month, up 162.6 % from $22.84 billion a year earlier, South Korea's News Agency (Yonhap) reported, citing a statement from the Ministry of Science and ICT.
ICT products accounted for over 60 % of the country's total exports in the month for the first time, the ministry added.
Imports in the sector rose 48.8 % on-year to $18.61 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $41.37 billion.
It marked the first time that South Korea's ICT surplus topped the $40 billion mark, the ministry said.
By product, semiconductor exports surged 209 % on-year to $46.67 billion, as demand related to AI infrastructure continued amid expanded investments from global big-tech companies.
Exports of computers and communications equipment spiked 383.1 % to $6.4 billion, while mobile phone shipments increased 23.2 % to $1.64 billion, the data showed.
By destination, combined shipments to China and Hong Kong shot up 227.9 %, while exports to the United States vaulted 306.5 %.
Shipments to Vietnam increased 81.4 %, those to the European Union climbed 49.1 % and those to India advanced 126.7 % on-year. (QNA)