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 October 14, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports reached USD 75.15 billion in September 2026, up 195.8 percent year-on-year from $25.40 billion. Imports rose 55.3 percent from $13.80 billion to $21.43 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $53.71 billion.

Supported by expanding AI investment worldwide, September ICT exports jumped from the previous record of $59.98 billion straight past the $60 billion range to top $70 billion for the first time. The ICT trade surplus also continued to grow, reaching the $50 billion range for the first time. ICT exports accounted for 62.1 percent of Korea’s total exports of $120.94 billion, maintaining a share of above 60 percent for a second consecutive month and continuing to play a key role in Korea’s export growth.

By product, exports of semiconductors (up 262.8 percent), mobile phones (up 28.2 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 393.0 percent) increased, while exports of displays (down 11.5 percent) and telecommunications equipment (down 2.3 percent) declined.

Semiconductor exports set a new monthly record for a second consecutive month as expanding demand for AI infrastructure increased sales of high-value products and contract prices for conventional memory continued to rise. Mobile phone exports increased due to higher exports of components and increased sales volumes of premium handsets. Exports of computers and peripherals also increased, led by SSDs and mid- to large-sized computers, as investment in AI data centers continued to expand. Display exports declined as adjustments to some smartphone launch schedules reduced demand for OLED panels. Telecommunications equipment exports declined slightly as exports of navigation equipment to Poland and Türkiye and wireless communications equipment to Japan decreased.

By destination, exports increased to all major markets: the U.S. (up 420.1 percent), China, including Hong Kong (up 228.9 percent), India (up 104.3 percent), Vietnam (up 66.8 percent), Japan (up 119.6 percent), Taiwan (up 110.9 percent), and the EU (up 128.5 percent).

ICT imports totaled $21.43 billion in September 2026, up 55.3 percent from $13.80 billion a year earlier, as imports increased in several major categories, including semiconductors (up 94.5 percent), mobile phones (up 40.9 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 48.4 percent).