Seoul – South Korea’s exports surged by 60.4% year-on-year in the first 20 days of June, reaching a record high for this period, according to data released Monday. The rise was driven largely by a strong rebound in semiconductor shipments.

Exports totaled $62 billion from June 1 to 20, up from $38.6 billion in the same period last year. Semiconductor exports nearly tripled to $25.5 billion, accounting for 41.2% of total exports. Car exports rose by 2.3% to $3.73 billion, while petroleum product exports increased 39% to $3.67 billion. The previous record for exports in the first 20 days of any month was $54.3 billion, set in March.

Total exports for South Korea this year reached $456.4 billion as of Saturday, marking a 45.6% increase from the same period last year. Imports rose 23.2% year-on-year to $44.5 billion during the reported period, resulting in a trade surplus of $17 billion.