[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 5th that cumulative exports through early September this year had already surpassed the total exports for all of last year. He also expressed confidence that annual exports could reach $1 trillion this year if the current trend continues. So far, only three countries—the United States, China and Germany—have recorded annual exports of at least $1 trillion. President Lee Jae Myung informed the public of the country's highest-ever export performance through X, formerly Twitter, saying, "This is a report from Lee Jong-wook, commissioner of the Korea Customs Service." President Lee Jae Myung explained, "At 1 p.m. today, September 5, cumulative exports for this year surpassed last year's full-year performance 117 days earlier, setting a new record." Cumulative exports this year reached $709.4 billion, surpassing last year's record annual total of $709.3 billion. President Lee Jae Myung expressed delight, saying, "We surpassed the total for all of last year in just 248 days, 117 days earlier than last year." He added that the country's exports have continued their remarkable growth despite an uncertain trade environment marked by stronger protectionism, the restructuring of global supply chains and the situation in the Middle East. President Lee Jae Myung said, "If the current robust export trend continues, annual exports are expected to reach $1 trillion around early December." President Lee Jae Myung noted that it was particularly significant that major export items were growing together, led by semiconductors. President Lee Jae Myung reported that semiconductor exports from January through August rose 169.6% from the same period last year. Other major items also increased, including computer peripherals, up 262.2%; petroleum products, up 40.7%; wireless communication devices, up 28.1%; and ships, up 12.4%. [email protected] Kim Kyung-soo Reporter