South Korea's Exports Hit Record High Driven by Semiconductor Demand

South Korea Exports Surge 30% in February on AI-Driven Semiconductor Boom​

February Exports Hit Record High Despite Fewer Working Days​

Seoul, March 1: South Korea’s exports surged nearly 30 percent year on year in February, reaching the highest level ever recorded for the month, as strong global demand for semiconductors linked to the artificial intelligence boom powered outbound shipments.

According to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and reported by Yonhap News Agency, outbound shipments totaled 67.45 billion dollars in February, marking a 29 percent increase from 54.2 billion dollars in the same month last year.

The export milestone was achieved despite three fewer working days compared with a year earlier due to the Lunar New Year holiday falling in February this year. Exports per working day climbed 49.3 percent year on year to 3.55 billion dollars, crossing the 3 billion dollar mark for the first time.

Exports have been on an upward trajectory since June last year, posting on-year growth and setting fresh monthly record highs for nine consecutive months.

Trade Surplus Expands to Historic High​

Imports rose 7.5 percent year on year to 51.94 billion dollars in February. This resulted in a trade surplus of 15.51 billion dollars, the largest in the country’s history. February also marked the 13th consecutive month of a trade surplus, reflecting sustained external demand.

Semiconductor Exports Lead Growth Momentum​

The sharp rise in exports was primarily driven by booming semiconductor demand.

Chip exports soared 160.8 percent year on year to a record 25.16 billion dollars, supported by rising memory chip prices amid strong demand for AI servers. Semiconductor exports have now exceeded 20 billion dollars for three consecutive months.

Computer exports also recorded robust growth, jumping 221.6 percent to 2.56 billion dollars and extending gains for the fifth straight month. Shipments of wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, increased 12.7 percent to 1.47 billion dollars, marking four months of continuous growth.

Auto and Energy Exports Decline​

Not all sectors recorded gains. Auto exports fell 20.8 percent year on year to 4.81 billion dollars, while shipments of auto parts declined 22.4 percent to 1.45 billion dollars. The ministry attributed the drop to reduced production caused by fewer working days.

Exports of petroleum products slipped 3.9 percent to 3.73 billion dollars as export prices weakened due to lower global oil prices. Petrochemical exports fell 15.4 percent to 3.33 billion dollars, and steel exports declined 7.8 percent to 2.36 billion dollars, both affected by lower export prices linked to global oversupply.

Exports to United States Reach February Record​

By destination, exports to the United States climbed 29.9 percent year on year to 12.85 billion dollars, setting a new record for the month of February. The increase was driven by strong shipments of semiconductors and computers to the US market.

With semiconductor exports anchoring growth and AI-related demand accelerating, South Korea’s February trade performance underscores the expanding role of advanced technology in shaping global export dynamics.