South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products rose 5.8 percent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2024, driven by robust semiconductor sales amid growing demand for data centers, according to government data released Monday. Outbound shipments of ICT products reached $115.16 billion in the January-June period, up from $108.83 billion a year earlier, the Ministry of Science and ICT reported. ICT imports also rose by 5 percent on-year to $70.92 billion in the first six months, resulting in a trade surplus of $44.24 billion in the sector. By product category, semiconductor exports increased 11.4 percent on-year to $73.31 billion, supported by strong demand for artificial intelligence chips and rising chip prices. Exports of computers and communications equipment rose 10.8 percent to $6.64 billion, while mobile phone shipments increased 9.1 percent to $6.08 billion. In contrast, exports of display panels declined by 13.9 percent to $8.7 billion due to uncertainty in global consumer markets and inventory adjustments in related industries. By destination, combined shipments to China and Hong Kong dropped 11.5 percent on-year to $41.98 billion, reflecting weaker semiconductor demand. Exports to the United States rose 14.5 percent to $14.42 billion, while shipments to the European Union fell 2.7 percent to $5.8 billion. Shipments to Vietnam increased 10 percent to $19.06 billion, while exports to Japan climbed 5.7 percent to $1.95 billion. (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: The Korea Herald