South Korea's exports surged in August as semiconductor shipments hit a record high, government data showed on Tuesday.
Exports rose 68.7% from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Semiconductor exports jumped 209% over the same period to a record $46.7 billion.
Chips now account for almost half of South Korea's total exports, at 47.5%.
Imports rose much more slowly, increasing 22.6% compared with August 2025. South Korea recorded a trade surplus of nearly $34.8 billion for the month, the second-highest on record.
The country's economy is benefiting strongly from global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. South Korea is home to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, two of the world's leading memory chipmakers.
But the figures also underline South Korea's growing dependence on the AI sector. A sharp correction in the market could leave the economy particularly exposed.
The semiconductor boom also masks weaker performance elsewhere. Car exports fell by nearly 30% in August.