Did South Korea’s ICT Exports Really Surge 14% in September Due to Semiconductors?
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Synopsis
South Korea's ICT exports witnessed an impressive 14% hike in September, driven by record semiconductor sales. This rise highlights the nation's robust technology sector and its impact on global markets, particularly in the AI sphere. Discover how these trends shape South Korea's economy and technology landscape.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea's ICT exports rose by 14% in September.
- Semiconductors accounted for a significant portion of export growth.
- Imports also increased, contributing to a healthy trade surplus.
- Display product demand remains strong.
- Taiwan emerged as a key market for South Korean exports.
Seoul, Oct 14 (NationPress) Exports of South Korea's information and communication technology (ICT) goods soared by 14 percent compared to the previous year in September, fueled by unprecedented semiconductor performance, according to data released on Tuesday.
The total value of outbound shipments for ICT products hit $25.43 billion last month, as reported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, per Yonhap news agency.
This figure represents the highest export volume recorded for any September.
Imports also rose by 10.4 percent year-on-year to $13.78 billion, leading to a trade surplus of $11.65 billion in the sector.
The ministry credited the significant export growth to the record shipments of semiconductors, which surged by 21.9 percent to $16.62 billion, driven by increased memory chip prices and rising investments in artificial intelligence (AI) servers from global companies.
Exports of display products increased by 1.3 percent to $1.92 billion in September, buoyed by strong demand for organic light-emitting diodes (OLED).
Conversely, exports of computers and peripheral devices declined by 10.1 percent to $1.47 billion, largely due to last year’s surge in AI data center-related solid state drive (SSD) products.
In the mobile phone sector, intense competition among parts manufacturers resulted in a 23.6 percent drop in parts exports to $1.07 billion. However, the export of finished mobile phones saw a remarkable increase of 55.8 percent to $420 million, which mitigated the overall decline.
Despite a drop in computer-related device exports by 10.1 percent to $1.47 billion, SSD exports to the Netherlands, a key European data center hub, surged by 69.2 percent, partially compensating for the losses.
Among exporting destinations, Taiwan experienced the most significant growth, with shipments rising by 53.5 percent to $4.29 billion, primarily due to increased semiconductor exports.
Overall, ICT imports climbed by 10.4 percent in September to $13.78 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $11.65 billion, marking the second-highest level ever recorded.
Point of View
The surge in South Korea's ICT exports reflects the nation's commitment to innovation and technological advancement. This growth not only strengthens the economy but also positions South Korea as a leader in the global tech landscape, particularly in semiconductors and AI technologies.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the surge in South Korea's ICT exports?
The increase in South Korea's ICT exports was primarily driven by record-high semiconductor shipments, which rose due to higher memory chip prices and growing investments in AI technologies.
How does the trade surplus in the ICT sector impact the South Korean economy?
The trade surplus in the ICT sector contributes positively to the South Korean economy by enhancing overall economic growth, creating jobs, and attracting foreign investments.
Which products saw the most significant changes in export figures?
Semiconductors experienced the highest growth, with a 21.9% increase, while exports of computers and peripheral devices fell by 10.1%. Finished mobile phones saw a remarkable 55.8% increase.
What role does Taiwan play in South Korea's ICT exports?
Taiwan is a significant destination for South Korean ICT exports, seeing a 53.5% increase in shipments due to heightened semiconductor exports.
What challenges do South Korean ICT exports face?
Challenges include intense competition in the mobile phone parts sector and the fluctuating demand for specific technology products, especially SSDs in AI data centers.
