ICT Exports Hit Record $53.36 Billion
Domestic information and communication technology (ICT) exports recorded $53.36 billion last month, taking the top spot among all July performances in history. Explosive demand for semiconductors and server components following the expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) market acted as the co
In July 2026, domestic information and communication technology (ICT) exports reached a record $53.36 billion, marking the highest performance in history. The surge was primarily attributed to the burgeoning demand for semiconductors and server components, spurred by the rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) market.
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy on August 14, exports of ICT goods increased by an impressive 140.6% compared to July 2025. This figure places the exports in the $50 billion range for the second consecutive month. ICT accounted for 54.0% of the country's total exports, valued at $98.89 billion, solidifying its role as a key pillar in the nation's export economy for the third consecutive month.
Semiconductors were the top-selling item, with exports totaling $41.02 billion, which grew by 178.8% compared to July 2025. This growth was mainly driven by the rise in server memory exports, fueled by the increasing need for AI inference and the expansion of enterprise solid-state drive (SSD) supplies. Semiconductor exports have been on a steady upward trend for the 17th consecutive month, maintaining a high growth rate of over 100% compared to the previous year for the seventh straight month.
The computer and peripheral device sector also showcased strong performance, with exports soaring by 353.9% to $4.94 billion, marking the ninth consecutive month of growth. A significant contributor was the export of AI server SSDs, which soared by 500.2% to $4.51 billion, indicating a record-breaking surge.
Display exports recorded $1.77 billion, a slight increase of 0.5% compared to July 2025, driven by heightened demand for organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) for upcoming smartphone and TV releases. Mobile phone exports were valued at $1.55 billion, a remarkable 62.6% increase, primarily fueled by the demand for new products and robust sales of high-specification devices.
The telecommunications equipment sector contributed $240 million, marking an 18.7% increase compared to July 2025. This growth was mainly driven by the surge in exports of wireless communication devices to Vietnam and automotive electronic equipment to India. Overall, ICT items exhibited a consistent growth trend, demonstrating their strong export competitiveness.
In contrast, ICT imports for the same period amounted to $18.3 billion, reflecting a 37.3% increase compared to July 2025. The positive export performance led to a trade balance surplus of $35.06 billion, solidifying the domestic ICT industry's trend of a trade surplus in the $30 billion range for the third consecutive month.
Written by urgent.news from BusinessKorea's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
