Exports of semiconductors and computers surged in May, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in a record triple-digit growth rate for the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, May ICT exports reached $47.79 billion, marking a 128.9% increase compared to the same month last year. This marks the third consecutive month of exports exceeding $40 billion, achieving the highest export value and growth rate on record.
Imports rose to $15.7 billion, a 36% increase from the previous year. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $32.09 billion.
Leading the exports in May were semiconductors and computers and related devices. Semiconductor exports reached $37.16 billion, up 169.2% year-on-year. This growth was supported by sustained increases in memory prices due to expanded investments in AI servers, with exports exceeding $30 billion for three consecutive months.
Exports of computers and related devices, primarily driven by solid-state drives (SSDs), totaled $4.33 billion, a remarkable 259.6% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Science and ICT noted, "The demand for SSDs has led to record performance for four consecutive months."
Mobile phone exports were reported at $1.22 billion, reflecting a 15.9% increase year-on-year. This growth was attributed to rising average selling prices of high-end products and strong demand for high-value components such as camera modules.
Display exports reached $1.57 billion, a 2.8% increase from the previous year, buoyed by rising OLED demand from new mobile phone models and strong sales of new laptops.
Telecommunication equipment exports rose by 3.7% year-on-year to $220 million, driven by increased shipments of communication equipment parts to Vietnam and automotive equipment to Mexico.
Exports were broadly distributed across regions, with China accounting for $19.51 billion, a 157.3% increase from the previous year. Exports to the United States surged 254.3% to $8.11 billion, while exports to Vietnam grew 90.8% to $6.77 billion.
Taiwan saw a 95.5% increase to $5.74 billion, the European Union increased by 53.9% to $1.7 billion, India grew by 56% to $760 million, and Japan experienced a 33.2% rise to $450 million.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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