Amman: South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products reached an all-time high in the first half of the year, driven by growing global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips and semiconductors. Data released by the Ministry of Science showed that the sector's exports amounted to US$253.9 billion during the January to June period, against imports valued at US$93.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$160.7 billion,
According to Bahrain News Agency, Semiconductors were the primary drivers of export growth, surging 162.5% year-on-year to US$192.4 billion. This was supported by strong demand for AI chips and rising memory chip prices. Exports of computers and communications equipment also rose by 233.8% to reach US$22.16 billion, contributing to the monthly trade figure of US$20 billion in the first half of the year.
In June, exports of ICT products reached US$57.3 billion, while imports rose to US$18.2 billion, resulting in a record monthly trade surplus of US$39 billion for the sector.