Exports of semiconductors and computers surged in April, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in a record increase in information and communication technology (ICT) exports.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, April's ICT exports reached $42.71 billion, a 125.9% increase compared to the same month last year. This marks the second consecutive month of exports exceeding $40 billion, achieving the highest growth rate on record.
Imports also rose, totaling $16.16 billion, a 33.3% increase from the previous year. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $26.55 billion.
Leading the exports in April were semiconductors and computers and related devices. Semiconductor exports soared to $31.91 billion, up 173.3% year-on-year. This growth was fueled by increased investments in AI servers, leading to a sustained demand for memory and rising fixed prices, marking the first time exports exceeded $30 billion for two consecutive months.
Computer and related device exports were driven by solid-state drive (SSD) sales, which totaled $4.26 billion, a staggering 430% increase from the previous year. The demand for storage devices based on AI server semiconductors contributed significantly to this growth. The Ministry of Science and ICT noted, "For the first time, SSD exports surpassed $4 billion, achieving the highest performance ever recorded."
Mobile phone exports also increased by 14% year-on-year, reaching $1.36 billion, supported by robust demand for high-end products and a rise in the export of high-value components.
Telecommunication equipment exports rose by 9.9% to $220 million, bolstered by increased shipments of components to Vietnam and wired communication equipment to Japan, leading to a rebound in overall exports after three months.
In contrast, display exports fell by 5.3% to $1.44 billion, attributed to rising semiconductor prices and increased cost burdens, which dampened demand from upstream companies.
Exports of semiconductors and mobile phones increased across various regions. Exports to China reached $16.77 billion, a 132.1% increase from the previous year. Exports to the United States surged by 294.2% to $7.9 billion, while Vietnam saw an 89.3% growth to $5.77 billion.
Taiwan's exports rose by 89.4% to $4.54 billion, the European Union increased by 58.4% to $1.78 billion, India by 86.5% to $950 million, and Japan by 42.5% to $450 million.
The ICT export and import statistics are compiled to respond swiftly to changes in the global market. They serve as foundational data for analyzing the export competitiveness and import dependency of the domestic ICT industry.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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