Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

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 all major markets: China, including Hong Kong ($23.08 billion, up 192.4 percent), Vietnam ($6.64 billion, up 109.7 percent), the U.S. ($10.60 billion, up 246.5 percent), the EU ($1.91 billion, up 104.7 percent), Japan ($580 million, up 47.5 percent), Taiwan ($7.15 billion, up 98.1 percent), and India ($820 million, up 98.1 percent).

ICT imports totaled $18.2 billion in June 2026, up 46.4 percent from $12.4 billion a year earlier, as imports increased across major ICT categories: semiconductors (up 65.1 percent), displays (up 17.1 percent), mobile phones (up 56.4 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 50.4 percent).