Seoul: South Korea's exports surged 12.7 percent year-on-year in September, reaching an unprecedented level not seen in over three years, driven by robust semiconductor demand, as revealed by government data on Wednesday. Outbound shipments totaled US$65.95 billion for the month, marking a new record surpassing the previous peak from March 2022.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Trade and Industry's data highlights a significant milestone in South Korea's export performance. While exports soared, imports saw a decline of 8.2 percent compared to the previous year, amounting to $56.4 billion. This shift resulted in a trade surplus of $5.64 billion for the nation.

The export figures underscore the pivotal role of semiconductors in South Korea's economy, reflecting strong international demand. The data also points to a positive trade balance, which could have implications for the country's economic outlook as it navigates the global market dynamics.