Containers are stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Jan. 1. Yonhap
Korea’s exports of knowledge and communication expertise (ICT) merchandise jumped 12.4 % from a yr earlier to a document excessive in 2025, information confirmed Wednesday, pushed by robust demand from the factitious intelligence (AI) trade.
Outbound shipments of ICT merchandise reached $264.2 billion final yr, in contrast with $235 billion in 2024, in line with the info compiled by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Imports rose 5.8 % to $151.2 billion over the interval, leading to a commerce surplus of $113 billion.
“Regardless of uncertainties within the international commerce setting, the growth of AI information facilities worldwide, together with robust demand for solid-state drives, led to document excessive exports,” the ministry stated in a launch.
By sector, semiconductor exports surged 22.1 % on-year to $173.4 billion, supported by rising international reminiscence chip costs.
Exports of computer systems and communications gear superior 3.8 % and three.9 %, respectively, the ministry stated.
Outbound shipments of show merchandise and handsets, against this, fell 9.5 % and 0.5 %, respectively.
By vacation spot, exports to the USA rose 9.8 % to $32.5 billion, whereas shipments to China, together with Hong Kong, edged down 0.9 % to $97 billion.
In December alone, ICT exports reached $30 billion, hovering 32.4 % from a yr earlier to set a brand new month-to-month excessive, the ministry stated.
Imports elevated 12.1 % to $14.9 billion in December, leading to a commerce surplus of $15 billion.
