NewKerala.com

South Korea's Exports Soar 29% to Record February High on AI Chip Boom

South Korea's exports jumped 29% year-on-year in February to a record $67.45 billion, marking the highest level ever for the month. The surge was powered by skyrocketing demand for semiconductors, with chip exports soaring over 160% to an all-time high of $25.16 billion, fueled by the AI server boom. This performance resulted in a record trade surplus of $15.51 billion, the largest in the country's history. While exports of computers and wireless devices also rose sharply, auto and petroleum product exports declined during the period.

Key Points: S. Korea Exports Hit Record Feb High on Surging Chip Demand

  • Record February exports of $67.45B
  • Semiconductors surge 160.8% on AI demand
  • Historic trade surplus of $15.51B
  • Exports to US hit February record
2 min read

S. Korean exports jump 29 pc to record Feb high on surging chip demand

South Korea's exports surged 29% in February to a record high, driven by booming AI semiconductor demand, resulting in a historic trade surplus.

"Chip exports soared 160.8 percent on-year to an all-time high of $25.16 billion - Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources"

Seoul, March 1

South Korea's exports jumped nearly 30 per cent from a year earlier in February to mark the highest level ever recorded for the month, driven by growing demand for semiconductors amid the artificial intelligence boom, government data showed on Sunday.

Outbound shipments totaled $67.45 billion last month, up 29 per cent from $54.2 billion a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, reports Yonhap news agency.

The record exports came even as the number of working days dropped by three days from a year earlier due to the Lunar New Year holiday that fell in February this year, unlike in January 2025.

Per-day exports surged 49.3 percent on-year to $3.55 billion, surpassing the $3 billion mark for the first time ever.

Exports turned to on-year growth in June last year and have since posted new record highs for each following month for nine consecutive months.

Imports rose 7.5 percent on-year to $51.94 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $15.51 billion, the largest figure ever recorded in the country's history, according to the ministry.

February also marks the 13th consecutive month of a trade surplus. The strong exports were driven by surging demand for semiconductors.

Chip exports soared 160.8 percent on-year to an all-time high of $25.16 billion on a continued increase in memory chip prices fueled by high demand for AI servers.

Semiconductor exports exceeded $20 billion for the third consecutive month.

Exports of wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, went up 12.7 percent to $1.47 billion, extending their streak of on-year gains to four months.

Computer exports shot up 221.6 percent to $2.56 billion, rising for the fifth straight month.

But auto exports fell 20.8 percent on-year to $4.81 billion in February, while shipments of auto parts declined 22.4 percent to $1.45 billion amid reduced production due to fewer working days, the ministry noted.

Exports of petroleum products shed 3.9 percent on-year to $3.73 billion, as export prices declined due to lower global oil prices.

Petrochemical exports dropped 15.4 percent to $3.33 billion, while steel exports decreased 7.8 percent to $2.36 billion, both weighed down by lower export prices stemming from a global oversupply.

By destination, exports to the United States advanced 29.9 percent to $12.85 billion, logging a record high for any February, thanks to a sharp rise in shipments of semiconductors and computers to the country.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the numbers are impressive, it's a bit worrying to see such heavy reliance on one sector. The auto exports dropping by 20% shows the volatility. A balanced export portfolio is crucial for long-term stability, something our own policymakers should note.
P
Priya S
Wow! Per-day exports crossing $3.55 billion is no small feat, especially with fewer working days. South Korea's focus on high-tech manufacturing is paying off big time. We have the talent in India; we need to create the right ecosystem for such cutting-edge industries.
R
Rohit P
The trade surplus figure is what caught my eye - $15.51 billion! That's massive. It gives a country so much economic strength and bargaining power. Hope we see such green shoots in our own export data soon. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The computer exports growth of 221% is just insane. It's all connected to the AI server demand. This is a clear signal for Indian IT companies. We need to move beyond services and into product and hardware innovation in this space. The opportunity is huge.
M
Meera T
Interesting to see the drop in traditional sectors like steel and petrochemicals due to global oversupply. The world is clearly pivoting to tech. It's a lesson in adapting to changing global demand. South Korea has companies like Samsung leading the charge. Which Indian company can be our flagbearer?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50