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 September 14, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports reached USD 59.98 billion in August 2026, up 162.6 percent year-on-year from $22.84 billion. Imports rose 48.8 percent from $12.51 billion to $18.61 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $41.37 billion.

Supported by expanding AI investment worldwide, ICT exports remained above $50.0 billion for a third straight month and neared $60.0 billion, reaching a record high. The ICT trade surplus also exceeded $40.0 billion for the first time, setting an all-time record. ICT exports accounted for 61.0 percent of Korea’s total exports of $98.25 billion, surpassing 60 percent for the first time and underscoring the sector’s role as a key driver of Korea’s export growth.

By product, exports increased in semiconductors (up 209.0 percent), mobile phones (up 23.2 percent), computers and peripherals (up 383.1 percent), and telecommunications equipment (up 11.5 percent), while display exports declined 7.0 percent.

Semiconductor exports remained above $40.0 billion for a third straight month, supported by continued demand for AI computing. Display exports declined as lower unit prices for OLED panels used in finished products, including mobile phones, reduced OLED export value. Mobile phone exports rose as parts shipments to overseas production bases grew and stronger sales of high-value new models boosted exports of finished phones. Exports of computers and peripherals reached a record high as expanding AI data processing lifted exports of mid- to large-sized computers and parts, while growth in the enterprise SSD market boosted SSD exports. Telecommunications equipment exports rose on higher demand for telecommunications equipment parts in Vietnam, automotive equipment in India, and wireless communications equipment in Japan.

By destination, exports increased in all major markets: the U.S. (up 306.5 percent), China, including Hong Kong (up 227.9 percent), India (up 126.7 percent), Vietnam (up 81.4 percent), Japan (up 72.4 percent), Taiwan (up 54.3 percent), and the EU (up 49.1 percent).

ICT imports totaled $18.61 billion in August 2026, up 48.8 percent from $12.51 billion a year earlier, as imports increased in several major categories, including semiconductors (up 71.4 percent), mobile phones (up 79.4 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 39.9 percent).