Seoul: South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products rose 9.4 percent in March from a year earlier on robust sales of chips and handsets, government data showed Monday. Outbound shipments of ICT products came to US$20.58 billion last month, up from $18.81 billion a year ago, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the country's ICT imports rose 6.8 percent on-year to $12.21 billion last month, resulting in a trade surplus of $8.37 billion in the sector. By product, semiconductor exports climbed 11.8 percent on-year to $13.06 billion on high demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related chips.

Exports of computers and communications equipment jumped 28.1 percent to $1.31 billion over the cited period, while shipments of mobile phones soared 14.5 percent to $1 billion, the release said. Shipments of display panels gained 1.3 percent to $1.64 billion as corporate customers secured some inventories in response to the U.S. government's reciprocal tariffs.

By nation, combined shipments to China and Hong Kong fell 12.2 percent on-year to $7.35 billion on decreased demand for chips and computers. Exports to Vietnam and Japan rose 14.6 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively, to $3.43 billion and $320 million. Shipments to the United States jumped 19.4 percent on-year to $2.77 billion, while shipments to the European Union fell 2.8 percent to $1.06 billion.