Seoul: South Korea's monthly exports soared 68.7 percent in August from a year earlier on solid chip shipments, data showed Tuesday. Outbound shipments came to US$98.25 billion in August, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. According to Yonhap News Agency, imports climbed 22.6 percent on-year to $63.51 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $34.75 billion. The surge in exports was primarily driven by strong demand for South Korean semiconductor products, which continue to be a significant contributor to the nation's trade performance. This growth in exports highlights the resilience of the South Korean economy amidst global market fluctuations.