South Korea’s export sector experienced a significant boost in February, with shipments climbing nearly 30 percent compared to the previous year. This surge marks the highest export level ever recorded for the month of February, fueled by robust demand for semiconductors amid the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) industry, according to government data released on Sunday.
Total outbound shipments reached $67.45 billion last month, a notable increase of 29 percent from $54.2 billion in February of the previous year. The data was compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
This record-breaking export performance occurred despite a reduction of three working days compared to the previous year, attributed to the Lunar New Year holiday falling in February this year, unlike in January 2025.
The average daily export value soared by 49.3 percent year-on-year to $3.55 billion, surpassing the $3 billion mark for the first time.
South Korea’s exports have demonstrated consistent growth since turning positive in June of last year, setting new record highs for nine consecutive months.
Imports also saw an increase, rising by 7.5 percent year-on-year to $51.94 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of $15.51 billion, the largest surplus ever recorded in the nation’s history, according to the ministry.
February marks the 13th consecutive month of a trade surplus for South Korea.
The strong export figures were primarily driven by the escalating demand for semiconductors.
Semiconductor exports surged by an impressive 160.8 percent year-on-year, reaching an all-time high of $25.16 billion. This growth is attributed to the continuous rise in memory chip prices, fueled by high demand for AI servers.
Semiconductor exports have now exceeded $20 billion for three consecutive months.
Exports of wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, increased by 12.7 percent to $1.47 billion, extending their streak of year-on-year gains to four months.
Computer exports experienced a significant jump of 221.6 percent, reaching $2.56 billion and marking the fifth consecutive month of growth.
However, auto exports declined by 20.8 percent year-on-year to $4.81 billion in February, while shipments of auto parts decreased by 22.4 percent to $1.45 billion. These declines were attributed to reduced production due to fewer working days, as noted by the ministry.
Exports of petroleum products decreased by 3.9 percent year-on-year to $3.73 billion, as export prices declined due to lower global oil prices.
Petrochemical exports dropped by 15.4 percent to $3.33 billion, while steel exports decreased by 7.8 percent to $2.36 billion, both weighed down by lower export prices stemming from a global oversupply.
Analyzing export destinations, exports to the United States advanced by 29.9 percent to $12.85 billion, marking a record high for any February. This growth was driven by a sharp rise in shipments of semiconductors and computers to the country.
Exports to China jumped by 34.1 percent to $12.75 billion in February, fueled by strong demand for semiconductors, computers, and petroleum products.
Shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) advanced by 30.4 percent to $12.47 billion, the third highest for any month, driven by robust demand for semiconductors, displays, and ships.
