Seoul: South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products rose 9.6 percent in May from a year earlier, driven by robust sales of semiconductors and mobile handsets, government data showed Thursday. Outbound shipments of ICT products reached US$20.88 billion last month, up from $19.04 billion a year earlier, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release.

According to Yonhap News Agency, ICT imports rose 0.5 percent on-year to $11.53 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $9.35 billion in the sector. By product, semiconductor exports surged 21.2 percent on-year to $13.8 billion, fueled by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related chips. Exports of computers and communications equipment rose 1.7 percent to $1.2 billion, while mobile phone shipments increased 2.8 percent to $1.05 billion.

However, exports of display panels declined 17.5 percent to $1.52 billion, amid growing uncertainty over shifting U.S. tariff policies. By destination, combined shipments to China and Hong Kong dropped 6.8 percent on-year to $7.58 billion, reflecting weaker semiconductor demand. Exports to the United States rose 7.2 percent to $2.29 billion, while shipments to the European Union jumped 12.5 percent to $1.1 billion. Shipments to Vietnam increased 15.7 percent to $3.55 billion, while exports to Japan climbed 12.5 percent to $340 million.