South Korea's information and communications technology (ICT) exports in February totalled $33.62 billion, up 103.3 percent from the same month a year earlier. Imports rose 19.6 percent to $13.05 billion. As a result, the trade balance posted a surplus of $20.57 billion.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on March 12 released ICT export and import trends for February 2026. ICT exports hit the highest February figure on record and recorded a triple-digit growth rate for the first time, despite three fewer working days from a year earlier due to the Lunar New Year holiday.

ICT exports accounted for 49.8 percent of the country's total exports of $67.45 billion, reaching close to half and confirming the sector's status as a key industry driving economic growth.

By major item in February, exports rose by 160.8 percent for semiconductors, 16.9 percent for mobile phones and 187.8 percent for computers and peripheral devices, all posting double-digit gains or more. Displays fell 7.5 percent and communications equipment declined 9.0 percent.

For semiconductors, rising memory prices continued on the back of expanding global demand for AI servers, and exports of high value-added products increased. Exports stayed above $20 billion for a third straight month. For mobile phones, securing initial shipments on the back of new product launches and rising demand for high-priced finished products led overall export growth. Computers and peripheral devices posted triple-digit growth for a fourth straight month, helped by strong demand for SSDs and higher prices as investment in AI infrastructure expanded.

Displays declined despite increased supply of OLEDs for smartphones, due to weak demand for IT devices and intensifying competition in the LCD market. Communications equipment also fell as exports of battlefield equipment and parts for wireless communications devices to key countries including the United States and Vietnam decreased.

By region, exports increased to all major markets including the United States, up 200.7 percent, China including Hong Kong, up 109.9 percent, Taiwan, up 98.8 percent, the European Union, up 78.1 percent, Vietnam, up 44.0 percent, Japan, up 37.3 percent and India, up 9.9 percent.

February ICT imports rose 19.6 percent from a year earlier, as many major items increased, including semiconductors, up 19.3 percent, displays, up 13.6 percent, mobile phones including parts, up 96.0 percent, and computers and peripheral devices, up 52.2 percent.