S Korea posts record semiconductor exports in August

SEOUL, Sept 01 (AFP): South Korea recorded its highest ever monthly semiconductor exports in August despite growing pressure from US tariffs and other restrictions on the crucial sector, government data showed Monday.
Seoul recorded more than $15 billion in exports last month of semiconductors, a new record and an increase by almost a third from August 2024.
The surge was driven by strong demand from China and the exemption of chips from tariffs, the industry ministry said Monday. The country's other key exports-cars and shipbuilding-also performed strongly, with auto shipments climbing to $5.5 billion and ship exports to $3.14 billion, both marking their strongest August performance.
Driven by the strong figures, overall exports reached $58.4 billion, the highest ever recorded for the month of August.