Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea’s ICT Exports Reach Record $253.9 Billion in First Half of 2026

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) announced on July 14, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports reached USD 253.9 billion in the first half of 2026, up 120.5 percent year-on-year from $115.1 billion. Imports rose 31.3 percent from $71.0 billion to $93.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $160.7 billion. In June, ICT exports increased 160.4 percent year-on-year from $22.0 billion to $57.3 billion. Imports rose 46.4 percent from $12.4 billion to $18.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $39.1 billion. First-Half 2026 ICT Trade ICT exports reached a record high in the first half of 2026, with growth across all major products and destinations. Semiconductors and solid-state drives (SSDs), supported by expanding global demand for AI, accounted for 83.7 percent of ICT exports and drove overall growth. For the first time, ICT exports accounted for more than half of Korea’s total exports, demonstrating the sector’s role as a key driver of industrial growth. The ICT trade surplus also reached a record high, surpassing the previous full-year record within the first six months of 2026. By product, exports increased across all major categories: semiconductors (up 162.5 percent), computers and peripherals (up 233.8 percent), mobile phones (up 38.0 percent), displays (up 3.8 percent), and telecommunications equipment (up 7.3 percent). Semiconductor exports increased as higher investment in AI and other servers raised memory demand and prices. Mobile phone exports grew on stronger sales of high-end finished products and higher exports of high-value parts, including camera modules. Strong SSD demand amid expanding AI infrastructure lifted first-half exports of computers and peripherals above $20.0 billion for the first time. Display exports increased on higher demand for new laptop models and high-value OLED products. Telecommunications equipment exports rose on higher shipments of wired equipment and wireless components to Vietnam and wireless components to Japan. By destination, exports increased in all major markets: China, including Hong Kong (up 141.0 percent), Vietnam (up 74.5 percent), the United States (up 215.6 percent), the European Union (up 70.1 percent), Japan (up 36.3 percent), Taiwan (up 92.5 percent), and India (up 48.6 percent). ICT imports totaled $93.2 billion in the first half of 2026, up 31.3 percent year-on-year. Imports of mid-sized and large computers rose 63.7 percent to $2.85 billion, reflecting increased investment to strengthen AI capabilities. June 2026 ICT Trade June ICT exports continued to grow despite uncertainty from the conflict in the Middle East. Monthly exports surpassed $50.0 billion for the first time and set a new record for a second consecutive month. The ICT trade surplus also remained above $30.0 billion for a second straight month and reached a record high. By product, exports increased across all major categories: semiconductors (up 199.4 percent), displays (up 30.3 percent), mobile phones (up 62.5 percent), computers and peripherals (up 284.7 percent), and telecommunications equipment (up 23.0 percent). Semiconductor exports reached a record high as growing memory demand for AI and other servers supported higher prices. Exports of computers and peripherals increased on strong SSD shipments amid continued expansion of AI infrastructure. Display exports grew on higher shipments of OLED panels for new mobile phone models and LCD panels for lower- and mid-priced laptops. Mobile phone exports increased as higher memory prices raised average selling prices and demand grew for high-end finished products. Telecommunications equipment exports rose on higher shipments of wireless communications equipment to the U.S. and Vietnam and automotive equipment to India. By destination, exports increased in date2026-07-14

Korea’s FDI Notifications Rise 9.1% to $14.3 Billion in First Half of 2026

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Korea on a notification basis reached USD 14.3 billion in the first half of 2026, up 9.1 percent year-on-year. Actual inflows also increased 42.6 percent year-on-year to $10.7 billion. Despite continued downward pressure on global FDI, including from recent Middle East tensions, Korea recorded year-on-year gains in both investment notifications and actual inflows. The increase shows that notified projects are moving into implementation and that new investment continues to enter promising sectors such as semiconductors and displays, reflecting investor confidence in Korea’s advanced industry supply chains and innovation ecosystem. Investment Notification By type, greenfield investment notifications for new or expanded factories and business sites totaled $10.8 billion, down 1.5 percent year-on-year. The decline eased significantly from the first quarter of 2026, when greenfield investment notifications fell 19.8 percent to $3.7 billion amid an uncertain trade environment. M&A investment notifications, including corporate equity acquisitions and mergers, rose sharply by 64.3 percent to $3.5 billion. By industry, manufacturing investment notifications fell 28.4 percent year-on-year to $3.8 billion, led by decreases in chemicals, down 17.0 percent to $1.1 billion, and electrical and electronics, down 26.5 percent to $1.0 billion. In contrast, investment in machinery, equipment, and medical precision instruments rose 243.1 percent to $0.9 billion, driven by inflows into promising industries such as autonomous driving robots and healthcare. Investment in non-metallic mineral products, including displays, also increased 34.2 percent to $0.3 billion. Services investment notifications rose 27.9 percent year-on-year to $9.1 billion. Investment increased significantly in finance and insurance, up 47.9 percent to $3.7 billion, and real estate, up 98.8 percent to $1.6 billion. R&D and professional, scientific, and technical services also improved, rising 24.3 percent to $0.5 billion. By source country, investment notifications from major investors declined year-on-year, with investment from the United States down 2.5 percent to $3.1 billion, the European Union down 8.1 percent to $2.1 billion, Japan down 30.9 percent to $1.5 billion, and China down 18.6 percent to $1.5 billion. In contrast, investment notifications from other countries, including Singapore and the United Kingdom, rose 65.4 percent to $6.2 billion. Actual Inflows By type, greenfield investment inflows edged down 5.6 percent year-on-year to $4.5 billion, while M&A investment inflows rose 123.3 percent to $6.3 billion. By industry, actual inflows into manufacturing surged 205.2 percent year-on-year to $5.0 billion. Chemicals rose 916.3 percent to $4.1 billion, as capital for large-scale chemical projects continued to arrive steadily. Investment in non-metallic mineral products, including displays, also increased 223.2 percent to $0.3 billion. Actual inflows into services edged up 1.4 percent year-on-year to $5.6 billion. Finance and insurance rose 9.3 percent to $3.4 billion, and real estate increased 98.7 percent to $0.6 billion. In contrast, distribution fell 33.1 percent to $0.6 billion, while information and communications declined 48.4 percent to $0.4 billion. By source country, actual inflows from the United States fell 13.3 percent year-on-year to $1.3 billion. In contrast, the European Union posted a 106.1 percent increase to $4.3 billion, Japan a 56.5 percent increase to $0.6 billion, and China a 36.0 percent increase to $0.2 billion. Actual inflows from other countries also rose 26.4 percent to $4.3 billion. To sustain momentum from Korea’s record-high FDI in 2025, MOTIR will strengthen foreign investment incentives aligned with national industrial policies, including the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces initiative, and e date2026-07-03

MOTIR, FSC Work with M.AX Leading Companies to Accelerate Korea’s Rise as Global Physical AI Leader

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC, Chairman Lee Eog-weon) held a public-private roundtable for the National Growth Fund-Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) Frontier Project in Seoul on July 1, 2026. Participants discussed how to identify and support leading companies and megaprojects that can help Korea become a global physical AI powerhouse. Global AI competition is rapidly moving beyond generative AI into physical AI, which enables systems to act and make decisions in the real world. Manufacturing is at the forefront of this shift. Humanoid robots, AI factories, and software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are already reshaping production sites, and Korea risks losing its manufacturing edge if it falls behind. Korea is well positioned in AI competition, as the country’s world-class manufacturing competitiveness and production infrastructure allow it to link factory data, supply chains, and production technologies with physical AI fields such as robotics, AI factories, and future vehicles. Building on these strengths, MOTIR and the FSC are pursuing the M.AX Frontier Project to identify and foster companies that can lead the global physical AI market. Under the project, MOTIR will support AI transformation and technological innovation in manufacturing through the M.AX Alliance, while the FSC will use the National Growth Fund to support large-scale investment and scale-up by promising industry leaders. The roundtable was organized to gather input on industry investment needs and discuss cooperation on megaprojects in core physical AI fields, including AI factories, robotics, and future vehicles. At the roundtable, Morgan Stanley analyst Shin Young-suk outlined Korea’s next-generation manufacturing paradigm as AI, robotics, and mobility converge. He said Korea’s accumulated manufacturing capabilities and ability to adapt quickly to industrial change provide a strong basis to capture new growth opportunities in the physical AI era. In its presentation on the need for M.AX and related support measures, MOTIR described M.AX as the only viable path to overcoming urgent challenges such as the demographic cliff and declining productivity, noting that the transformation cannot be achieved by individual companies alone. To support this effort, MOTIR has launched the M.AX Alliance, a network of more than 1,500 companies, universities, research institutes, and other organizations. MOTIR said it will rapidly deploy and expand M.AX through three core pillars—AI factories, AI robots, and AI semiconductors—and pursue tailored policies in each field, including large-scale R&D and demonstration projects. The FSC presented financial support and collaboration measures for M.AX under the National Growth Fund. Together with MOTIR’s M.AX Alliance, the FSC will identify promising companies and megaprojects in key physical AI markets, including AI factories, robotics, future vehicles, and defense, and provide long-term patient capital for their growth and scale-up. This year, the FSC will supply about KRW 16 trillion to six physical AI-related fields—AI, robotics, future vehicles, defense, semiconductors, and secondary batteries—and work with MOTIR and relevant institutions to foster national champions that can lead global markets. Leading companies in AI factories, robotics, future vehicles, and semiconductors shared industry investment needs and their growth strategies. LS Cable & System, which is carrying out the National Growth Fund’s first M.AX investment project to expand production facilities for ultra-high-voltage submarine cables, also presented its work. The company participates in the AI Factory Division of the M.AX Alliance and is applying AI to the production and quality inspection of ultra-long, heavy submarine cables. Participants stressed that leading in the AI era r date2026-07-02

Korea’s June Exports Top $100 Billion for First Time, First-Half Exports Reach Record High

June 2026 Export and Import Trends The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea’s exports in June 2026 rose 70.9 percent year-on-year to USD 102.25 billion. Imports increased 30.1 percent to $66.10 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $36.15 billion. Monthly exports topped $100.0 billion for the first time, making Korea the fourth country in the world, after Germany, China, and the United States, to exceed $100.0 billion in monthly exports. Semiconductor exports rose 200 percent, while non-semiconductor exports increased 28 percent. Average daily exports, adjusted for working days, rose 59.5 percent to $4.54 billion, setting a new record for the second consecutive month. By item, exports increased in 18 of Korea’s 20 key export items. In IT, computer exports reached $5.41 billion, up 308.8 percent, on higher SSD demand, while semiconductor exports rose 199.5 percent to $44.82 billion, topping $40.0 billion for the first time on strong memory demand and higher memory contract prices. Wireless communication device exports increased 51.9 percent to $1.55 billion. In mobility, automobiles rose 5.8 percent to $6.71 billion and ships increased 12.9 percent to $2.83 billion, while auto parts fell 2.4 percent to $1.74 billion. Petroleum products exports rose 49.8 percent to $5.59 billion on higher export prices, despite a decline in export volume, and petrochemicals increased 18.8 percent to $4.07 billion. Steel exports rose 9.6 percent to $2.14 billion, turning positive for the first time in 14 months since April 2025, as exports of construction materials such as rebar increased alongside a rise in data center construction. Nonferrous metals exports rose 45.8 percent to $1.82 billion, setting a record high for June, as both the unit prices and volumes of mainstay items such as copper and aluminum increased. General machinery exports rose 7.5 percent to $4.08 billion, turning positive for the first time in five months, helped by an increase in working days from a year earlier and U.S. tariff cuts on some industrial machinery. Biohealth exports rose 14.1 percent to $1.92 billion, setting a record high for June, driven by expanded market share based on competitiveness in biosimilar manufacturing and an increase in contract manufacturing organization (CMO) orders. Cosmetics exports rose 42.5 percent to $1.34 billion, continuing their growth on the back of the global spread of K-beauty's recognition and rising overseas demand, while agricultural and fisheries products exports rose 16.8 percent to $1.17 billion, posting a high double-digit growth rate on the back of expanded overseas demand centered on processed foods such as ramen and gim (seasoned laver). By destination, exports increased in seven of Korea’s nine major markets. Exports to China ($20.03 billion, up 92.1 percent) marked eight consecutive months of growth, as semiconductors — the top export item — more than tripled, while mainstay items such as petrochemicals, general machinery, and wireless communication devices also performed evenly well. Exports to the United States increased 78.6 percent to $20.02 billion, as IT items such as semiconductors, computers, and electric machinery posted high growth on expanded AI server investment, while consumer goods such as cosmetics and agricultural and fisheries products also grew strongly on the spread of the Korean Wave (Hallyu).   Exports to ASEAN ($18.30 billion, up 86.6 percent) set an all-time monthly record for the fifth consecutive month, as mainstay items such as semiconductors, petroleum products, and displays posted high growth rates, while exports to the EU ($7.62 billion, up 31.8 percent) set a record high for June, as items including ships, semiconductors, automobiles, and biohealth products all grew evenly. Exports to the Middle East ($1.80 billion, down 8.4 percent) continued to decline overall, date2026-07-01

KUIC, Policy Finance Institutions, and Three Shipbuilders Sign Korea–U.S. Shipbuilding Investment MoU

On June 25, 2026, the Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Corporation (KUIC), policy finance institutions, and three major Korean shipbuilders signed an MoU to implement USD 150 billion in Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation investment under the Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment MoU signed on November 14, 2025. The policy finance institutions are the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), Korea Development Bank (KDB), Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE), and Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC), and the shipbuilders are HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean. Under the MoU, the parties will form a consultative body for Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation investment. The body will share information, identify project opportunities, and coordinate policy financing. KEXIM will serve as the secretariat, handle internal and external communications, and track project progress. The signing ceremony was held at KEXIM in Yeouido, Seoul. Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy (MOFE); Kwon Dae-young, Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC); and Park Dong-il, Deputy Minister for Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the ceremony to mark the first step in implementing the shipbuilding cooperation investment. In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Koo described the shipbuilding cooperation investment as “one of the two pillars of Korea–U.S. strategic investment, along with investment in the U.S.” He said, “This mutually beneficial investment will allow Korea’s world-class shipbuilders to help rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry. It will also create new orders and market opportunities across Korea’s shipbuilding ecosystem, including major shipbuilders, small and medium-sized shipbuilders, and equipment suppliers.” Deputy Prime Minister Koo also asked KUIC and participating policy finance institutions to prepare financing plans that ensure sufficient, timely funding. He called for ways to share risks and early-stage investment uncertainties that would be difficult for individual companies to bear alone. He also asked major Korean shipbuilders to identify projects that can deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries’ shipbuilding industries and create opportunities for Korean small and medium-sized shipbuilders and equipment suppliers to join Team Korea. FSC Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young emphasized, "Through the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation investment, Korea's shipbuilding industry has gained a prime opportunity to demonstrate its world-class capabilities," adding, "Building on close cooperation among the newly established KUIC, policy finance institutions, and the private financial sector, we will actively ensure that the necessary financing is provided without disruption." Deputy Minister Park said, “MASGA is K-shipbuilding’s first strategic overseas expansion project. The U.S. market is already showing encouraging signs of demand for Korean shipbuilders. Timely financial support is essential to turn these opportunities into results.” He expressed hope that the MoU would help advance the MASGA project and open a new phase of growth for Korea’s shipbuilding industry, and asked policy finance institutions to coordinate closely to support Korean companies’ smooth entry into the U.S. market. KUIC President Park Jong-won said, "Shipbuilding cooperation investment in the U.S. is one of the core areas of Korea-U.S. strategic investment and a key mission for KUIC's implementation of strategic investment," adding, "We will work closely with policy finance institutions to actively support our shipbuilding industry's investment in the U.S. and its vessel orders." KEXIM President Hwang Ki-yeon sai date2026-06-25

Major Retailer Sales Up 9.0% in May 2026

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that total sales at 26 major retailers (15 brick-and-mortar retailers and 11 online retailers) in May 2026 rose 9.0 percent year-on-year, with offline sales up 9.3 percent and online sales up 8.8 percent. Offline sales increased at department stores (up 24.5 percent) and convenience stores (up 5.9 percent), while hypermarkets (down 5.1 percent) and super supermarkets (SSMs) (down 8.0 percent) declined. Department stores and convenience stores extended their growth streaks to 11 consecutive months since July 2025. Department store sales increased across all categories, including premium international brands, fashion and apparel, and accessories, as foreign tourist visits increased and consumer sentiment improved. Convenience store sales also rose, as early-summer weather boosted sales of beverages and other processed foods, while higher customer traffic lifted non-food sales, including household goods. Hypermarket sales declined despite higher sales of home appliances, cultural goods, and fashion items during May, Family Month, as sales of food, their core category, remained sluggish. SSM sales also fell for a sixth consecutive month as food sales stayed weak. Online sales posted steady growth, supported by improved consumer sentiment, Family Month demand, and food demand, with gains led by home appliances, children’s products, food, and services. Sales shares by channel were 58.6 percent for online retailers, 16.7 percent for department stores, 14.8 percent for convenience stores, 8.1 percent for hypermarkets, and 1.8 percent for SSMs. date2026-06-24

Korea to Clear Certification Barriers and Open Global Markets as It Seeks Top-Five Exporter Status

The government will step up support for K-consumer goods SMEs, helping them secure overseas certifications and reach global markets through distribution platforms. Through these measures, the government aims to move Korea beyond K-shaped export growth, where gains are concentrated among certain companies and products, and achieve “Exports for All.” Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) chaired the Second Public-Private Meeting on Export Expansion on June 24, 2026. MOTIR announced three agenda items: the Comprehensive Strategy to Support Exporting Companies with Overseas Certification; Support Measures for Halal Market Entry to Diversify Consumer Goods Exports ; and the Plan to Build Integrated Export Platforms for Distribution and K-Consumer Goods. The meeting brought together government officials, export support agencies, distribution companies, and consumer goods SMEs to discuss joint efforts to address overseas certification difficulties and expand K-consumer goods exports. In his opening remarks, Minister Kim said, “Amid external uncertainty, ‘Exports for All’ is essential for Korea to secure its place among the world’s top five exporters. Export gains should not be limited to certain companies or products, but shared more broadly.” He added, “The public and private sectors will work together and make every effort to help K-consumer goods SMEs clear overseas certification barriers and reach markets around the world through distribution platforms.” Comprehensive Strategy to Support Exporting Companies with Overseas Certification Under the strategy, the government will reduce the burden on companies seeking overseas certifications. It will increase the number of foreign test reports and certificates that can be issued in Korea from 212 to 500 by 2028, giving companies wider access to certification services at home without having to visit overseas certification bodies. It will also use export vouchers for certifications taking more than one year and raise the reimbursement rate for unsuccessful attempts from 50 percent to 70 percent. The AI-powered KnowTBT portal (www.knowtbt.kr) will serve as a single source of information on overseas certifications and technical regulations. It will also offer tailored services, including support with certification applications and links to voucher programs. The government will expand consulting to 2,000 companies by 2027, with experts supporting them from product development and process design through risk assessment and certification. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), Korean diplomatic missions overseas, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and other institutions will work as a “One Team” to swiftly resolve difficulties with foreign regulators’ unreasonable certification requirements. The government will also set up certification support desks at KOTRA’s trade offices in 20 major countries and establish a legal basis for systematic business support by enacting legislation on responses to and support for technical barriers to trade (TBT). Support Measures for Halal Market Entry to Diversify Consumer Goods Exports  The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) will implement support measures to help K-consumer goods enter halal markets. KITA will facilitate exchanges between Korean and overseas halal certification bodies. This will help Korean bodies expand recognition agreements to Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and extend their coverage to cosmetics, daily necessities, and other products. Using its Southeast Asia and Middle East branches, including those in Indonesia and the UAE, KITA will operate overseas halal support centers, tentatively named K-Halal Bridge, to facilitate cooperation between Korean and overseas halal institut date2026-06-24

May 2026 Automobile Exports Total $5.83 Billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that Korea’s automobile exports fell 5.9 percent year-on-year to USD 5.83 billion in May 2026, amid fewer working days and production disruptions caused by a fire at a domestic auto parts. Domestic sales and production fell 10.3 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively. For January–May, export value and production edged down 2.6 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively, while domestic sales rose 1.0 percent. By region, exports increased to Oceania (up 20.1 percent) and Africa (up 16.1 percent) in May, but declined in key markets, including North America (down 1.0 percent) and the European Union (down 6.5 percent). Exports also fell in Asia (down 37.3 percent) and the Middle East (down 4.2 percent). The decline appears to reflect a combination of domestic and external factors, including logistics disruptions from the prolonged war in the Middle East and lower used-car exports. Exports of eco-friendly vehicles remained solid. Export value rose 9.9 percent year-on-year to $2.40 billion in May, accounting for more than 40 percent of total automobile exports. Hybrid vehicles made up about 65 percent of eco-friendly vehicle exports and continued to lead growth in the segment. Domestic sales totaled 127,000 units in May, down 10.3 percent year-on-year. The decline reflected production and delivery disruptions for some domestically produced vehicles caused by parts supply issues, as well as delayed purchases ahead of new model launches scheduled for the second half of 2026. Eco-friendly vehicle sales rose 5.5 percent year-on-year to 77,000 units, accounting for more than 60 percent of total domestic sales. Electric vehicle sales rose 65.4 percent to 35,000 units. Automobile production totaled 330,000 units in May, down 8.2 percent year-on-year. The decline reflected an average of one fewer working day and some production disruptions caused by a fire at a domestic auto parts supplier. As parts supply is expected to normalize beginning in June, production and export performance are projected to improve gradually. MOTIR will continue communicating closely with the industry and monitoring parts supply, logistics conditions, and changes in export markets, as external uncertainties persist, including the global economic slowdown and expanded local sourcing by major global automakers. date2026-06-17

Korea’s ICT Exports Reach Record $47.8 Billion in May

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) announced on June 15, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports in May 2026 reached USD 47.8 billion, up 128.9 percent year-on-year from $20.9 billion. Imports rose 36.0 percent from $11.5 billion to $15.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $32.1 billion. In May 2026, ICT exports topped $40.0 billion for a third straight month for the first time, despite the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, and reached record highs in both export value and year-on-year growth rate. The ICT trade surplus also topped $30.0 billion for the first time. ICT products accounted for more than half, or 54.5 percent, of Korea’s total exports, which stood at $87.8 billion, reinforcing ICT’s role as a key driver of Korea’s exports. By product, exports increased across all major categories: semiconductors (up 169.2 percent), mobile phones (up 15.9 percent), displays (up 2.8 percent), computers and peripherals (up 259.6 percent), and telecommunications equipment (up 3.7 percent). Semiconductor exports stayed above $30.0 billion for a third straight month, supported by continued export growth amid sustained investment in AI servers. Display exports returned to growth on higher demand for OLED panels used in new mobile phone models and solid sales of new laptop models. Mobile phone exports increased as average selling prices rose for high-end finished products and demand remained solid for high-value parts, including camera modules. Computers and peripherals posted record highs for a fourth consecutive month, supported by higher exports of semiconductor-based storage devices, including solid-state drives (SSDs) used in AI servers. Telecommunications equipment exports also increased on solid demand for components shipped to Vietnam and automotive equipment shipped to Mexico. By destination, exports increased in all major markets: the United States (up 254.3 percent), China, including Hong Kong (up 157.3 percent), the European Union (up 53.9 percent), Taiwan (up 95.5 percent), Vietnam (up 90.8 percent), India (up 56.0 percent), and Japan (up 33.2 percent). ICT imports totaled $15.7 billion in May 2026, up 36.0 percent from $11.5 billion a year earlier, as imports increased across most major ICT categories: semiconductors (up 62.6 percent), mobile phones including parts (up 16.0 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 15.5 percent). date2026-06-16

Roundtable with Korean Companies in Saudi Arabia

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) chaired a roundtable with Korean companies and support organizations operating in Saudi Arabia at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Saudi Arabia on June 14, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from Korea National Oil Corporation, NAVER, LG Electronics, Samsung C&T, KOTRA, and other organizations. Participants discussed key business challenges, requests, and future plans related to their operations in Saudi Arabia. Minister Kim said Korea will continue to expand economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia across manufacturing, advanced industries, and other areas, building on the practical industrial cooperation achieved so far. date2026-06-15