The Highest April Figure in history
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 12 that exports from the ICT sector of South Korea totaled US$19.94 billion in April this year.
“It is the highest April figure in history, and the monthly imports and trade surplus are US$12.13 billion and US$7.81 billion, respectively,” it said, adding, “ICT exports increased by more than 10 percent for the 13th consecutive month and the January to April exports are US$81.66 billion, over US$80 billion for the first time ever.”
By export item, semiconductor and display exports increased 16 percent and 22.5 percent, respectively. Mobile phone exports increased 0.6 percent and computer-related exports jumped 58 percent year on year. Especially, memory chip exports increased for 20 months in a row with data center investments being resumed and high-end smartphones being released. Non-memory chip exports exceeded US$4 billion for the second consecutive month and increased by more than 10 percent year on year for the 13th consecutive month.
By destination, exports to China and Hong Kong increased 4.1 percent and those to Vietnam, the United States, the European Union and Japan increased 25.8 percent, 25.9 percent, 23.2 percent and 15.5 percent, respectively. Those to the top five export destinations increased for at least 12 months in a row without exception. For example, those to China and Hong Kong increased 4.1 percent year on year to US$8.36 billion and for the 20th consecutive month.