SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - South Korea's exports topped $90 billion for a third straight month in August, as record semiconductor shipments offset weaker sales of cars and ships, the trade ministry said Tuesday.
Exports rose 68.7 percent from a year earlier to $98.25 billion, while imports climbed 22.5 percent to $63.51 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $34.75 billion, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said.
The surplus stayed above $30 billion for a third consecutive month.
Semiconductor exports surged 209 percent to a record $46.65 billion on continued demand for AI infrastructure.
Chip exports have now topped $40 billion for three straight months.
Computer exports also hit a monthly record, jumping 419.5 percent to $6.24 billion on rising NAND prices.
Wireless device exports rose 21.2 percent to $1.88 billion, extending gains for a 10th straight month on strong sales of Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup.
Cars and ships were the main drags.
Auto exports fell 29.8 percent to $3.85 billion as summer shutdowns at major automakers shifted into early August and partial strikes disrupted output.
Ship exports slid 45.9 percent to $1.69 billion on fewer deliveries.
Petroleum product exports rose 65.3 percent to $6.84 billion, lifted by higher crude prices amid instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
Rechargeable battery exports gained 24 percent to $600 million, staying positive for a fourth month on electric vehicle and energy storage demand.
By destination, shipments to China more than doubled to $24.1 billion, up 119.3 percent, on strong semiconductor and machinery sales.
Exports to the United States climbed 89.3 percent to $16.5 billion, while shipments to Southeast Asian countries jumped 75.4 percent to $19.09 billion, the best August figure on record.
AJP Takeaways
· Korea's August exports rose 68.7 percent to $98.25 billion.
· Monthly exports topped $90 billion for a third straight month.
· Semiconductor exports hit a record $46.65 billion.
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