Strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) has propelled exports of semiconductors and computers, resulting in a significant increase in May's information and communication technology (ICT) export performance.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, May's ICT exports reached $47.79 billion, marking a 128.9% increase compared to the same month last year. This figure represents the highest export value and growth rate on record, with exports exceeding $40 billion for three consecutive months.
Imports totaled $15.7 billion, a 36% increase from the previous year, resulting in a trade surplus of $32.09 billion.
Leading the exports were semiconductors and computers and related devices. Semiconductor exports surged to $37.16 billion, up 169.2% year-on-year, driven by sustained increases in memory prices due to expanded investments in AI servers. This marks the third consecutive month of exports exceeding $30 billion.
Exports of computers and related devices, particularly solid-state drives (SSDs), grew significantly, totaling $4.33 billion, a 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, attributed to rising average selling prices of high-spec products and strong demand for high-value components like 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 also saw a 3.7% increase, totaling $220 million, driven by exports of communication equipment parts to Vietnam and automotive equipment to Mexico.
Exports to various regions also showed robust growth. Exports to China reached $19.51 billion, up 157.3% year-on-year. Exports to the United States soared by 254.3% to $8.11 billion, while exports to Vietnam grew by 90.8% to $6.77 billion.
Taiwan saw a 95.5% increase to $5.74 billion, the European Union experienced a 53.9% rise to $1.7 billion, India grew by 56% to $760 million, and Japan increased by 33.2% 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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