The growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry has led to a boom in the semiconductor sector, resulting in September's information and communication technology (ICT) exports surpassing $70 billion for the first time.
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, September's ICT exports reached $75.15 billion, marking a 195.8% increase compared to the same month last year. This is the first time exports have exceeded $70 billion.
Imports also rose to $21.43 billion, a 55.3% increase from the previous year. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $53.71 billion.
Leading the September ICT exports were semiconductors, mobile phones, and computers and peripherals. Semiconductor exports alone reached $60.33 billion, a remarkable 262.8% increase year-on-year. This surge is attributed to the growing demand for high-value products driven by AI infrastructure and the continued rise in fixed transaction prices for memory.
The mobile phone sector also saw growth, with exports of camera modules and 3D sensing components contributing to a 28.2% increase, totaling $1.9 billion compared to the same month last year.
Exports of computers and peripherals surged by 393% year-on-year, amounting to $7.16 billion, driven by ongoing investments in AI data centers and increased exports of SSDs and large-scale computers.
In contrast, exports of displays and communication equipment declined. Display exports fell by 11.5% year-on-year to $1.7 billion, attributed to reduced demand due to the rescheduling of some smartphone product launches. Communication equipment exports decreased by 2.3% to $220 million, reflecting a drop in demand for wireless communication devices from countries like Japan and Poland.
Regionally, exports centered around semiconductors and mobile phones increased across the board. Exports to China rose by 228.9% to $30.4 billion, while exports to Vietnam increased by 66.8% to $6.77 billion. Exports to the United States skyrocketed by 420.1% to $15.17 billion.
Exports to Taiwan grew by 110.9% to $9.06 billion, the European Union saw a 128.5% increase to $2.96 billion, while exports to India reached $1.02 billion, and exports to Japan rose by 119.6% to $840 million.
Meanwhile, ICT exports in August were recorded at $59.98 billion, a 162.6% increase from the same month last year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.