Semiconductor surge bolsters Seoul’s tariff negotiation stance but deepens exposure to volatile AI infrastructure demand

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) said Wednesday that semiconductor exports are expected to exceed $165 billion this year, marking an all-time high and the second consecutive year of record performance. From January to September, chip exports totaled $119.7 billion, up nearly 17% from a year earlier, accounting for 23% of the country’s total outbound shipments valued at $519.7 billion.

MOTIR attributed the increase to robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers and a recovery in memory prices, noting that semiconductors remain the nation’s top export category. It said South Korea would continue advancing its competitiveness in chips and other high-tech sectors to narrow the gap with global leaders, projecting that the industry’s growth momentum would extend into next year.

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) said Wednesday that semiconductor exports are expected to exceed $165 billion this year, marking an all-time high and the second consecutive year of record performance. From January to September, chip exports totaled $119.7 billion, up nearly 17% from a year earlier, accounting for 23% of the country’s total outbound shipments valued at $519.7 billion.

MOTIR attributed the increase to robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers and a recovery in memory prices, noting that semiconductors remain the nation’s top export category. It said South Korea would continue advancing its competitiveness in chips and other high-tech sectors to narrow the gap with global leaders, projecting that the industry’s growth momentum would extend into next year.

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