South Korea ICT Exports Double as AI Chip Demand Surges

South Korea’s exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products more than doubled in February compared with the same month last year, driven mainly by strong global demand for semiconductors linked to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to data released by the Ministry of Science and ICT, ICT exports reached $33.6 billion in February, a sharp rise from $16.5 billion recorded a year earlier. The increase came despite the month having fewer working days, highlighting the strong momentum in the sector.

The ministry said the surge was largely supported by rising shipments of semiconductors, which continue to benefit from growing demand for AI technologies, data centers, and high-performance computing systems.

In terms of imports, South Korea brought in $13 billion worth of ICT products in February, marking a 19.6 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

As a result, the country recorded a trade surplus of $20.5 billion in the ICT sector during the month.

Government data also showed that ICT products accounted for 49.8 percent of South Korea’s total exports, which stood at $67.45 billion in February.

The ministry said the figures reaffirm the importance of the ICT industry as a key driver of the Korean economy and a major contributor to the country’s export growth.

Officials added that the continued expansion of AI technologies worldwide is expected to keep demand for advanced chips and related ICT products strong in the coming months.