Korea's June exports surpass $100 billion for the first time on strong semiconductor performance

Last June, Korea's exports surpassed $100 billion on a monthly basis for the first time. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on the 1st that June exports were tallied at $102.25 billion. This performance was driven most significantly by a surge in semiconductor exports. Semiconductor exports rose 199.5% from the same month last year to $44.82 billion, setting a new alltime monthly record, and other major items such as computers, wireless communication devices, automobiles, ships, and steel also generally increased. By region, exports increased in major markets such as China, the United States, Southeast Asia, and the European Union, and cumulative exports in the first half of the year reached $496.7 billion, breaking the alltime high. The government believes that if the export momentum of key items continues in the second half of the year, the likelihood of achieving $1 trillion in annual exports could grow.