[Financial News] South Korea has surpassed $100 billion in monthly exports for the first time ever, becoming the world's fourth country to reach that mark after Germany, China and the United States. Monthly semiconductor exports also topped $40 billion for the first time, driven by strong chip shipments amid rising investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to the June import and export trends released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) on the 1st, exports last month came to $102.25 billion, up 70.9% from a year earlier. The figure far exceeded the previous record of $87.75 billion set in May, opening the era of $100 billion in monthly exports for the first time. South Korea became the fourth country in the world to achieve $100 billion in monthly exports, following Germany, China and the United States. Imports rose 30.1% to $66.1 billion. As a result, the trade balance posted a surplus of $36.15 billion, surpassing $30 billion in a single month for the first time. The cumulative trade surplus for the first half of the year also hit a record high of $138.3 billion. Semiconductors led the export boom. Semiconductor exports jumped 199.5% from a year earlier to $44.82 billion, setting an all-time monthly record. It was also the first time monthly semiconductor exports exceeded $40 billion. The surge reflected a sharp rise in demand for memory semiconductors and higher fixed prices, both driven by expanding AI investment. Exports of all other items excluding semiconductors also rose 28%, showing a broad recovery across key industries. Computer exports soared 308.8% to $5.41 billion, supported by stronger demand for SSDs used in AI servers. Wireless communication device exports also rose 51.9% on brisk sales of new products. Automobile exports increased 5.8% to $6.71 billion, helped by stabilized parts supply and higher production. In contrast, auto parts exports fell 2.4% as overseas production expanded and global demand for new vehicles slowed. Ship exports rose 12.9% as the share of high-value-added vessels such as LNG carriers increased, lifting average export prices. Steel exports turned positive for the first time in 14 months, since April last year, as demand for construction steel such as rebar increased amid expanded data center construction. Petroleum product exports climbed 49.8% on higher export prices due to rising global oil prices. However, export volumes of gasoline, diesel and kerosene fell because of government export controls. Petrochemicals also saw export value rise 18.8% on higher product prices, but export volumes declined as domestic supply expanded. Consumer goods also maintained solid momentum. The biohealth industry posted a June record of $1.92 billion, supported by biosimilars and expanded contract manufacturing organization (CMO) activity. Cosmetics rose 42.5% on the popularity of K-beauty, while agricultural and fisheries products increased 16.8% on strong exports of ramyeon and seasoned roasted laver. By region, exports increased in seven of the nine major markets. Exports to China rose 92.1% to $20.03 billion, with semiconductors, petrochemicals and general machinery all posting broad gains. It marked the eighth straight month of growth. Exports to the United States also rose 78.6% to $20.02 billion, supported by strong semiconductor and computer shipments tied to increased investment in AI servers, as well as higher exports of consumer goods such as cosmetics and agricultural and fisheries products. By contrast, exports to the Middle East fell 8.4% as gains in automobiles and petrochemicals were offset by continued weakness in general machinery, auto parts and steel. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan said, "Uncertainty is expected to continue in the second half of the year, including U.S. tariff measures, oil price volatility and the possibility of a global economic slowdown. The government will continue close consultations with major countries to minimize uncertainty facing our companies and create a favorable export environment." He added, "We will provide full support so that South Korea can leap forward as one of the world's top five export powers by achieving not only quantitative export growth, but also qualitative growth through diversification of products and markets and stronger export competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises." aber@fnnews.com Park Ji-young Reporter