Seoul: South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products in the first half reached a new six-month high, fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) surge, government data revealed Tuesday. Outbound shipments of ICT products tallied at US$253.9 billion from January to June, marking a 120.5 percent increase from the previous year, as reported by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

According to Yonhap News Agency, ICT imports grew 31.3 percent year-on-year to $93.2 billion, culminating in a trade surplus of $160.7 billion. Semiconductor exports surged by 162.5 percent year-on-year to $192.4 billion, driven by robust demand for AI chips and elevated memory prices.

Exports of computers and communications equipment soared 233.8 percent from a year earlier, surpassing the $20 billion threshold for the first time within a six-month period. This growth was attributed to heightened shipments of solid state drives (SSD) essential for AI infrastructure, the ministry noted.

The data also indicated that mobile phone exports increased by 38 percent year-on-year, while display exports edged up 3.8 percent during the specified period. By destination, combined shipments to China and Hong Kong surged 141 percent year-on-year. Exports to Vietnam rose 74.5 percent, and shipments to the United States expanded by 215.6 percent.

For June alone, South Korea exported $57.3 billion worth of ICT products, even amid ongoing uncertainties related to the conflict in the Middle East. The country recorded a trade surplus of $39.1 billion for the month, achieving the highest monthly figure on record, according to the ministry.