Seoul: South Korea's exports surged by 60.4 percent year-on-year in the first 20 days of June, as revealed by data on Monday, setting a new record high for the period driven by strong semiconductor shipments. Outbound shipments amounted to US$62 billion from June 1-20, compared to $38.6 billion in the same period last year, data from the Korea Customs Service indicated.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks the highest 20-day export figure on record, surpassing the previous peak of $54.3 billion recorded in March this year. Imports also increased by 23.2 percent year-on-year, reaching $44.5 billion during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of $17 billion.

The semiconductor sector was a significant contributor, with exports nearly tripling to $25.5 billion amid growing global demand driven by the artificial intelligence industry. Semiconductors made up 41.2 percent of total exports, an increase of 18.3 percentage points from the previous year.

Additionally, exports of automobiles and petroleum products rose by 2.3 percent and 39 percent, respectively, reaching $3.73 billion and $3.67 billion. Conversely, outbound shipments of auto parts declined by 9.5 percent to $1.1 billion.

By destination, exports to China saw an 86.9 percent increase to $13 billion, while shipments to the United States rose by 53.9 percent to $11.4 billion. Exports to Vietnam and the European Union also increased by 75.5 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively.

Overall, South Korea's cumulative exports this year reached $456.4 billion as of Saturday, marking a significant 45.6 percent increase from the same period a year earlier.